Spatial Light Modulator Research Articles

Adaptive-modulated fast fluctuation super-resolution microscopy

Fluorescence microscopy has significantly advanced biological imaging at the nanoscale, particularly with the advent of super-resolution microscopy (SRM), which transcends the Abbe diffraction limit. Most cutting-edge SR methods require high-precision optical setups, which constrain the widespread adoption of SRM. Fluorescence fluctuation-based SRM (FF-SRM) can break the diffraction limit without complex optical components, making it particularly well-suited for biological imaging. However, conventional FF-SRM methods, such as super-resolution optical fluctuation imaging (SOFI), still require specific fluorescent molecular blinking properties. Instead of enhancing the intrinsic blinking characteristics by finding specific fluorescent markers, employing optical methods such as spatial light modulation to adjust the excitation light field allows for easier and more flexible matching of the on-time ratio with the analysis of temporal stochastic intensity fluctuations. Nevertheless, the specific parameters of the modulation patterns have not been thoroughly explored, despite their crucial influence on the reconstruction quality. Herein, we propose adaptive-modulated fast fluctuation super-resolution microscopy. Our method demonstrates theoretically and experimentally that restricting the size of modulation units in a certain range ensures better image quality with fewer artifacts and signal losses. We find it still significantly effective when applied to other FF-SRM. Overall, the further development of the adaptive modulation technique has made it more stable in behavior and maintained high-quality imaging, presenting broader prospects for super resolution imaging based on statistical analysis.

3D Multiview Holographic Display with Wide Field of View Based on Metasurface

Abstract3D display technology offers a more realistic visual experience by allowing users to perceive depth and spatial awareness, enhancing interactivity and immersion. Among various approaches, multiview display technology constructs 3D images by offering multiple smooth views along the horizontal plane. Metasurfaces, with ultra‐thin physical structures and flexible functional designs, are positioned to make significant contributions to the evolution of 3D display technologies. Here, a 3D multiview holographic display system based on metasurfaces is proposed. Using generalized Snell's law, a spatially multiplexed metasurface is designed with nine views and achieves 3D display by cascading the metasurface with a spatial light modulator (SLM). By projecting holograms onto different areas of the metasurface via the SLM, corresponding reconstructed images can be observed from specific designed directions. Thanks to the large numerical aperture (NA) of the metasurface, the system successfully achieves nine views within a 120° field of view (FOV, with a theoretical maximum of 180°), validated experimentally. This system promises potential applications in VR/AR display, surgical navigation, geographic information system (GIS), and other fields.

Unveiling quantum correlations of SPDC biphoton spatial modes using spatial light modulator

Abstract We experimentally demonstrate the quantum entanglement in various spatial modes of the correlated photons generated via spontaneous parametric down-conversion (SPDC) in a type-II phase-matched periodicallypoled KTP (ppKTP) crystal. The two-fold coincidence measurement reveals the spatial entanglement between the photon pairs by projecting one of the correlated photons onto a Gaussian mode while scanning the spatial mode of its partner photon through selective projection (Gaussian, Laguerre-Gaussian, Bessel-Gaussian, and Airy-Gaussian) using a spatial light modulator (SLM). We also show the spatially-resolved detection of the orbital angular momentum (OAM) non-conservation via modal decomposition of the correlated photon in Laguerre-Gaussian and Bessel-Gaussian bases.

Single-Shot Fringe Projection Profilometry Based on LC-SLM Modulation and Polarization Multiplexing

Fringe projection profilometry (FPP) is extensively utilized for the 3D measurement of various specimens. However, traditional FPP typically requires at least three phase-shifted fringe patterns to achieve a high-quality phase map. In this study, we introduce a single-shot FPP method based on common path polarization interferometry. In our method, the projected fringe pattern is created through the interference of two orthogonal circularly polarized light beams modulated by a liquid crystal spatial light modulator (LC-SLM). A polarization camera is employed to capture the reflected fringe pattern, enabling the simultaneous acquisition of four-step phase-shifting fringe patterns. The system benefits from advanced anti-vibration capabilities attributable to the common path self-interference optical path design. Furthermore, the utilization of a low-coherence LED light source results in reduced noise levels compared to a laser light source. The experimental results demonstrate that our proposed method can yield 3D measurement outcomes with high accuracy and efficiency.

Shape sensing endoscope fiber

Minimally invasive and robotic surgeries are growing areas that benefit patients through reduced recovery time. Medical fiber optics play an important role in these procedures by enabling instrument navigation, imaging, sensing, power delivery, and diagnostics in a small form factor. One route to further miniaturization is to combine these functions, or a subset of these functions, into a single strand of optical fiber. In this work, we present a fiber and fan-in device that enables shape sensing, imaging, power delivery, and potentially additional sensing capabilities, such as temperature and/or pressure, in the same waveguide. The refractive index profile of the multimode waveguide in our fiber is similar to step index fibers used in laser delivery and is suitable for imaging applications; however, it also contains seven single mode cores twisted in a helix and with quasi-continuous Bragg gratings along their entire length, such as are used in fiber shape sensing. We first calibrate the transmission matrix of the multimode waveguide to enable the formation of a focused spot at the distal end of the fiber with a spatial light modulator. A second calibration allows us to reconstruct the shape of the fiber using optical frequency domain reflectometry in the twisted shape sensing cores. We show that these multiple functions can be performed simultaneously with our device and that changes in the curvature of the fiber correlate with the quality of the distal spot produced through the fiber, which is an important step towards maintaining the imaging calibration as the fiber is manipulated.

Random Raman Lasing in Diode-Pumped Multi-Mode Graded-Index Fiber with Femtosecond Laser-Inscribed Random Refractive Index Structures of Various Shapes

Diode-pumped multi-mode graded-index (GRIN) fiber Raman lasers provide prominent brightness enhancement both in linear and half-open cavities with random distributed feedback via natural Rayleigh backscattering. Femtosecond laser-inscribed random refractive index structures allow for the sufficient reduction in the Raman threshold by means of Rayleigh backscattering signal enhancement by +50 + 66 dB relative to the intrinsic fiber level. At the same time, they offer an opportunity to generate Stokes beams with a shape close to fundamental transverse mode (LP01), as well as to select higher-order modes such as LP11 with a near-1D longitudinal random structure shifted off the fiber axis. Further development of the inscription technology includes the fabrication of 3D ring-shaped random structures using a spatial light modulator (SLM) in a 100/140 μm GRIN multi-mode fiber. This allows for the generation of a multi-mode diode-pumped GRIN fiber random Raman laser at 976 nm with a ring-shaped output beam at a relatively low pumping threshold (~160 W), demonstrated for the first time to our knowledge.

Harnessing physics-guided neural networks for tailoring the orbital angular momentum spectrum in second harmonic generation

The management of orbital angular momentum (OAM) in frequency conversion processes is essential for numerous applications such as quantum and classical optical communications. This paper presents a wavefront modulation approach for the fundamental beam in second harmonic generation (SHG) to efficiently control the OAM spectrum. We employ an inverse design method to derive the necessary wavefront shape of the fundamental beam for achieving a desired SHG OAM spectrum. Specifically, we introduce an efficient inverse design technique based on physics-guided neural networks (PGNNs) that incorporates the coupled equations governing SHG, aimed at tailoring the OAM spectrum of SHG. Utilizing the proposed PGNN, we design the phase pattern for a spatial light modulator (SLM) to shape the wavefront of the fundamental beam. Furthermore, we present a novel loss function, to our knowledge, that effectively links the OAM of the SHG spectrum and efficiency to the SLM phase pattern and crystal temperature, independent of empirical weight coefficients. The proposed PGNN facilitates the purification of the SHG OAM spectrum, even when the fundamental beam comprises mixed Laguerre–Gaussian (LG) modes. Additionally, we demonstrate the generation of desired SHG spectra using the proposed PGNN framework. This study introduces what we believe to be a groundbreaking inverse design method for developing photonic devices with customized functionalities, addressing challenges associated with traditional data-driven deep learning techniques.

Complex-valued scatter compensation in nonlinear microscopy

Nonlinear, i.e., multiphoton microscopy is a powerful technique for imaging deep into biological tissues. Its penetration depth can be increased further using adaptive optics. In this work, we present a fast, feedback-based adaptive-optics algorithm, termed C-DASH, for multiphoton imaging through multiple-scattering media. C-DASH utilizes complex-valued light shaping (i.e., joint shaping of amplitude and phase), which offers several advantages over phase-only techniques: it converges faster, it delivers higher image quality enhancement, it shows a robust performance largely insensitive to the axial position of the correction plane, and it has a higher ability to cope with, on the one hand, scattering media that vary over time and, on the other hand, scattering media that are partially absorbing. Furthermore, our method is practically self-aligning. We also present a simple way to implement C-DASH using a single reflection off a phase-only spatial light modulator. We provide a thorough characterization of our method, presenting results of numerical simulations as well as two-photon excited fluorescence imaging experiments. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

High-dimensional quantum key distribution using orbital angular momentum of single photons from a colloidal quantum dot at room temperature

High-dimensional quantum key distribution (HDQKD) is a promising avenue to address the inherent limitations of basic quantum key distribution (QKD) protocols. However, experimental realizations of HDQKD to date have relied on indeterministic photon sources that limit the achievable key rate. In this paper, we demonstrate a full emulation of a HDQKD system using a single colloidal giant quantum dot (gQD) as a deterministic, compact, and room-temperature single-photon source (SPS). We demonstrate a practical protocol by encoding information in a high-dimensional space (d = 3) of the orbital angular momentum of the photons. Our experimental configuration incorporates two spatial light modulators for encoding and decoding the spatial information carried by individual photons. Our experimental demonstration establishes the feasibility of utilizing high radiative quantum yield gQDs as practical SPSs for HDQKD. We also experimentally demonstrate surpassing the traditional d = 2 QKD capacity with comparable error rates, indicating a significant improvement in performance while maintaining reliability.

On the stability of the dislocation structure of speckle fields

The features of propagation in free space of light beams with a dislocation structure of the wavefront are considered. The stability to the influence of diffraction of small-scale dislocation systems providing spatial super-resolution is analyzed. Based on a comparison of the characteristics of various dislocation formations, a conclusion is made about the greatest structural stability of systems with special type screw dislocations. Such dislocations can be obtained by azimuthal rotation of edge dislocations characterized by a sharp phase jump of light oscillations along the singular line. The obtained results will find application in optimizing the characteristics of optical devices with ultra-high spatial resolution, as well as in developing software for the operation of spatial light modulators forming beams with a specified amplitude-phase profile.

Binary amplitude holograms for shaping complex light fields with digital micromirror devices

Abstract Digital micromirror devices are a popular type of spatial light modulators for wavefront shaping applications. While they offer several advantages when compared to liquid crystal modulators, such as polarization insensitivity and rapid-switching, they only provide a binary amplitude modulation. Despite this restriction, it is possible to use binary holograms to modulate both the amplitude and phase of the incoming light, thus allowing the creation of complex light fields. Here, a didactic exploration of various types of binary holograms is presented. A particular emphasis is placed on the fact that the finite number of pixels coupled with the binary modulation limits the number of complex values that can be encoded into the holograms. This entails an inevitable trade-off between the number of complex values that can be modulated with the hologram and the number of independent degrees of freedom available to shape light, both of which impact the quality of the shaped field. Nonetheless, it is shown that by appropriately choosing the type of hologram and its parameters, it is possible to find a suitable compromise that allows shaping a wide range of complex fields with high accuracy. In particular, it is shown that choosing the appropriate alignment between the hologram and the micromirror array allows for maximizing the number of complex values. Likewise, the implications of the type of hologram and its parameters on the diffraction efficiency are also considered.

Scaling of ultrashort-pulsed laser structuring processes for electromobility applications using a spatial light modulator

The structuring of lithium-ion battery (LIB) electrodes and the diffusion media (DM) for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) with ultrashort laser pulses enables improved performance characteristics of both technologies. However, the transfer of the approaches from a laboratory scale to a commercial use has previously been hindered by the low average output power of ultrashort-pulsed (USP) laser beam sources and the limited productivity of single-beam structuring using scanning optics. Recent advancements in the development of USP laser systems have led to a steady increase in the available output power, thereby enabling new fields of applications. This study aims at accelerating the USP laser structuring of LIB electrodes and DM for PEMFCs to industrially relevant processing rates by comparing a single-beam with a multibeam structuring process regarding ablation characteristics and quality. For the multibeam strategy, the shape of the laser beam was modified by a spatial light modulator (SLM). In addition to microholes, the insertion of microchannels was investigated to demonstrate the high flexibility of state-of-the-art SLMs. The geometry of the created structures was measured with a laser scanning microscope, and the different layers were tested for their geometrical and electrochemical properties to compare both technologies. The results confirmed that applying an SLM enables high-quality microstructures with significantly higher structuring rates. Furthermore, this contribution includes a theoretical analysis of the specifications required for a laser setup to reach an industrially relevant productivity of the structuring processes.

One-grating common-path phase-shifting interferometer for quantitative phase imaging

A one-grating common-path phase-shifting interferometer for quantitative phase imaging is proposed as an improvement over the original interferometer design. In the original version, the setup is long, involving a grating pair, and requires precise mechanical translation of the grating, which poses difficulties for practical applications. The proposed interferometer utilizes grating multiplexing to reduce the length of the optical setup and uses a phase-only spatial light modulator to implement pinhole filtering and phase shifting simultaneously without any moving parts, making it more conducive for the realization of a practical version.

Robust and efficient calibration method of liquid-crystal spatial light modulator based on the linear combination strategy

Abstract Phase-only spatial light modulators (SLMs) play a vital role in virous fields. However, its modulation accuracy is compromised by the static aberration and the phase response nonlinearity. To enhance the modulation accuracy, this paper presents an innovative full calibration method for SLMs, effectively addressing both static aberration and nonlinear phase responses using only two shots of camera. The main highlight of this paper is the binding of a novel linear combination strategy and a unique kinoform. This binding can eliminate phase distortion between two shots of camera, making our method dramatically robust in correcting phase response nonlinearity. Additionally, benefit from the accurate correction of phase response nonlinearity, the static aberration is accurately compensated by the single-shot spatial carrier phase-shifting technology. In conclusion, the proposed method's strong robustness, precision, and efficiency position it as an ideal solution for SLM calibration.

Thermomagnetic recording of highly Bi-substituted iron garnet film using scanning laser for spatial light modulation

Spatial light modulations (SLM) utilizing the magneto-optical (MO) effect of magnetic materials are expected to offer fast switching and small pixel sizes as small as the wavelength of the light. However, the small MO effect is a major issue. In this paper, we report a thermomagnetic recording of highly bismuth-substituted garnet film, known for large Faraday effects. Y0.5Bi2.5Fe4GaO12 (Bi,Ga:YIG) film with a Faraday rotation of −4.66 degrees was used as an MO medium. A laser scanning thermomagnetic recording system using a Galvanometer mirror was developed and the size and quality of recorded magnetic domains were investigated. The smallest recorded magnetic domain diameter was 0.62 μm with a small standard deviation of 0.09 μm. Line patterns with a width of 1 μm can be recorded in this film. We found that Bi,Ga:YIG films have potential as a material for SLMs with fast switching, submicron pixel size, and large MO effect.

Finite-element Adaptive Meshing Statistics of Liquid Crystal Coaxial Phase Shifters for mmW Electronics and THz Photonics Beyond Display: A Comparative Study

Sub-mmW and THz frequencies offer ultra-high-speed communications for next-generation 5G/6G networks, wherein research advancing the understanding will benefit the electronics and photonics community. Specifically, meshing resolutions across varying frequency ranges and material properties are central to the solution accuracy, reliability, and cost (memory and time) of computational mmW and THz simulations, particularly for the emerging reconfigurable coaxial phase shifters employing nematic liquid crystals (LCs) as tunable media. In the present study, a comparative meshing statistics analysis is conducted for two devices designed for 60 GHz and 0.3 THz, respectively. Each design features two distinct tuning states (LC permittivity of 2.754 and 3.3, respectively), all pertinent to the coaxial TEM (Transverse Electromagnetic) mode. By quantifying the broadband meshing and solution statistics of diverse frequencies and dielectric tuning states for the first time, we establish memory-conserving computational metrology involving reconfigurable coaxial devices operationalized with LC-filled tunable dielectrics tailored for mmW electronics and THz photonics. Full Text: PDF References M. Makowski, I. Ducin, K. Kakarenko, J. Suszek, A. Kowalczyk, "Performance of the 4k phase-only spatial light modulator in image projection by computer-generated holography", Phot. Lett. Poland 8, 1 (2016). CrossRef J.F. Li, H.R. Li, "Liquid Crystal-Filled 60 GHz Coaxially Structured Phase Shifter Design and Simulation with Enhanced Figure of Merit by Novel Permittivity-Dependent Impedance Matching", Electronics 13, 3 (2024). CrossRef J.F. Li, H.R. Li, "Modeling 0.3 THz Coaxial Single-Mode Phase Shifter Designs in Liquid Crystals with Constitutive Loss Quantifications", Crystals 14, 4 (2024). CrossRef J.F. Li, D.P. Chu, "Liquid Crystal-Based Enclosed Coplanar Waveguide Phase Shifter for 54–66 GHz Applications", Crystals 9, 12 (2019). CrossRef Z. Cendes, "The development of HFSS", USNC-URSI Radio Science Meeting (Fajardo, IEEE 2016). CrossRef T. Vaupel, "Accuracy And Modeling Improvements For An Integral Equation Framework Applied To Thin Layer Microstrip And Substrate Integrated Waveguide (Siw) Structures", EuCAP (Copenhagen, IEEE 2020). CrossRef L.J. Jiang, W.C. Chew, "Low-frequency fast inhomogeneous plane-wave algorithm (LF-FIPWA)", Microwave Opt. Tech. Lett. 40, 2 (2004). CrossRef J. Zhu, D. Jiao, "Eliminating the Low-Frequency Breakdown Problem in 3-D Full-Wave Finite-Element-Based Analysis of Integrated Circuits", IEEE Trans. Microw. Theory Tech. 58, 10 (2010). CrossRef

Increasing the space–bandwidth product of holographic displays by segmenting and combining phase masks

This paper presents a method for enlarging holographic images under the constraints of spatial light modulators. The proposed method involves using a modified Gerchberg–Saxton algorithm and spatial multiplexing to segment images and projection surfaces. Segmented element images are processed to create multiple phase masks, which are then stitched for image reconstruction. Experimental results indicated that the proposed method enabled effective magnification under different segmentation methods. This method allows the enlargement of holographic images without using additional lenses, thus enabling effective magnification to be achieved with a limited setup. Reconstruction results indicate that the proposed method can produce a magnification of up to 16 × .

Large-field optical sectioning structured illumination microscopy

Nowadays, fringe generation and fast-switching in structured illumination microscopy (SIM) is often performed using spatial light modulators (SLMs) and digital micromirror devices (DMDs). Yet, the field of view (FOV) or the spatial bandwidth product (SBP) is constrained by the limited pixel number of the SLMs or DMDs. In this study, we present a large-field optical-sectioning structured illumination microscopy (LF-OS-SIM) scheme, which features a large FOV and fast phase shifting. LF-OS-SIM utilizes a one-dimensional grating to generate stripe patterns and a spatial light modulator (SLM) to perform phase-shifting in the Fourier domain. Therefore, this technique can improve the spatial bandwidth product (SBP) by a factor of 2.6 compared to the conventional OS-SIM under the same experimental parameters. The superiority of LF-OS-SIM is demonstrated by imaging euro coins and fluorescent samples, and the results imply that this method has the potential to be applied for 3D imaging of industrial micro-devices and biosamples.

Two-way 5G NR FSO-HCF-UWOC converged systems with R/G/B 3-wavelength and SLM-based beam-tracking scheme.

A two-way fifth-generation (5G) new radio (NR) free-space optical (FSO)-hollow-core fibre (HCF)-underwater wireless optical communication (UWOC) converged systems with a red/green/blue (R/G/B) 3-wavelengths and spatial light modulator (SLM)-based beam-tracking scheme is practically built. It is the first to practically build a two-way FSO-HCF-UWOC converged system with high-speed and long-distance optical wireless-wired-underwater wireless communication characteristics. It shows a 5G NR FSO-HCF-UWOC convergence from drone or buildings to undersea, using R/G/B 3-wavelengths and an SLM as a demonstration. The R/G/B 3-wavelengths are used to enhance the downstream and upstream aggregate transmission rates. An SLM with electrical comparator is used to adjust the laser beam and mitigate laser beam misalignment caused by drone movement or ocean flow. Over a hybrid of 1-km FSO, 10-m HCF, and 10.44-m ocean water-air-ocean water medium, downstream/upstream 5G-millimeter-wave (MMW) 9.1-Gb/s/24-GHz signals are transmitted with satisfactorily low bit error rates and error vector magnitudes, as well as distinct constellations. This demonstrated that the 5G NR FSO-HCF-UWOC converged system exhibits promising potential as it advances the scenario implemented by the 5G-MMW signals over FSO, HCF, and UWOC convergence, paving the way for high-speed and long-distance communications across diverse media.

Dynamic phase measurement based on two-step phase-shifting interferometry with geometric phase grating

Abstract This paper proposes a novel dynamic 2-step phase-shifting interferometry method with a geometric phase grating and direct aberration-free object phase recovery algorithm. By exploring the amplitude-phase modulation property of the geometric phase grating, two-step phase-shifting interferograms with π / 2 phase shift can be obtained in a single shot through two kinds of spatial-multiplexing arrangements. Then the restriction on the background uniformity of the 2-step phase-shifting algorithms and the system aberration can be avoided simultaneously, based on the presented direct and fast object phase demodulation strategy with an object-free state recorded in advance, so an accurate object measurement result can be guaranteed. Accordingly, a detailed analysis of the theoretical model of error sources is conducted by taking the depolarization error of geometric phase grating and phase measurement model error into consideration, with a Least Squares Iteration optimization strategy established to further improve the measurement accuracy. Experiments on various types of phase objects, such as a photo-etched quartz substrate, the spatial light modulator, and a silicon chip, validate the effectiveness and accuracy of our method when compared with the reference phase obtained from 4-step temporal phase-shifting method. The dynamic phase measurement capability is demonstrated by exhibiting the evaporation process of alcohol droplet.