Wavelength agile nonmechanical laser beam steering from Fresnel zone plates imprinted on a liquid crystal spatial light modulator

Abstract

Multibeam, multicolor, large-angle beam-steering is demonstrated in the visible spectral region by imprinting Fresnel zone plates (FZP) on a liquid crystal spatial light modulator. Spectral dispersion, both diffractive and refractive, is observed but does not prevent the use of this technology for beam steering applications. The experimental results show that while diffractive dispersion dominates over refractive dispersion, wavelength-specific FZPs can be rendered to direct those beams on target, either simultaneously or consecutively. Only a slight correction in the FZP positon is necessary to compensate for refractive dispersion. The position, intensity, and wavelength of each beam can be controlled independently.