SPATIAL LIGHT MODULATORS FOR PROJECTION DISPLAYS

Spatial light modulators (SLM.'s) consisting of a polymer-dispersed li quid crystal (PDLC) film and a Bi12SiO20 photoconductor are discussed and demonstrated. This device, which uses light scattering in the PDLC film, has several advantages including no polarizer, a low optical lo ss, and video-rate operation. The device was designed by use of an ele ctrical-image method. High-definition SLM's with a limiting resolution (36-50 line pairs/mm) were fabricated by stacking of an optimized mir ror and the PDLC film. The device, which was incorporated into a Schli eren system with a 1-kW xenon lamp, provided high-contrast video image s and a total luminous flux of 1000 lm. (C) 1997 Optical Society of Am erica.