Optical correlation using a phase-only liquid-crystal-over-silicon spatial light modulator

The construction and principle of operation of a liquid-crystal-over an MOS- array spatial light modulator (SLM) is described. Photographs are presented of patterns produced by amplitude-only modulation of monochromatic light by the SLM when used in a coherently illuminated imaging system. Optical Fourier transforms of phase patterns, which reveal the phase variations, are included. The use of the 16 X 16 pixel array as a pure-phase filter is discussed, and the results of correlation experiments are presented.