Analysis of spatial light modulation characteristics of C-60

Spatial light modulation based on nonlinear absorption of light by excited- state molecules in C-60-toluene solution is demonstrated. Amplitude modulat ion of probe laser beam transmissions at 747 and 885 nm, corresponding to t he peak absorption of T-1 and S-1 states, by the modulation laser beam inte nsity induced population changes at 532 nm has been analyzed using the rate equation approach, for various values of the small-signal absorption coeff icient. It is shown that for T-1 and S-1 states, modulation up to 100% and 94.5% can be achieved for a laser beam intensity of 800 W/cm(2) and 1 kW/cm (2) at 532 nm, respectively. (C) 2000 American Institute of Physics. [S0003 -6951(00)03143-0].