Design, fabrication, switching, and optical characteristics of new magneto-optic spatial light modulator

Abstract

A new reflected mode magneto-optic spatial light modulator (R-MOSLM) has been developed for miniature optical correlators and computers. A factor of 4 improvement in pixel switching sensitivity, compared to the conventional transmission mode magneto-optic spatial light modulator, has been achieved by the use of narrower drive lines, and burying the conductor into the film. A factor of 3 higher resolution and a factor of 2 higher optical efficiency have also been achieved by the use of smaller pixels and narrower pixel gaps. The smaller pixels and improved switching sensitivity permit an order of magnitude reduction in optical path length and increase in frame rate, respectively. The progress that has been made in the design of the R-MOSLM, issues concerning its fabrication, a comparison by finite element analysis of field modeling to experimentally determined current requirements to drive individual lines, and some optical characteristics are discussed.