Lasing pixels: a new application for polymer dispersed liquid crystals (PDLCs)

A lasing pixel device that implements a spatially patterned variable loss e lement placed inside an optically pumped high-gain laser cavity is presente d. A polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) modulator was used as the loss element, A projection device has been developed with high output, high on- screen contrast (>1000:1), and narrow-spectral linewidth (similar to 3 nm). These positive characteristics make such a device attractive for a non-sca nned laser projection system. A model of PDLC lasing pixel output versus el ement loss will be presented and compared to electro-optic measurements, PD LC materials from EM Industries have been optimized for this application.