SPATIAL LIGHT MODULATOR

摘要

A spatial light modulator having a simple structure and a high operating speed. A spatial light modulator (1) has a magnetization setting layer (11) made of a magneto-optical material and including pixels the directions of magnetization of which are independently set and each of which rotates the direction of polarization of incident light according to the direction of magnetization by the magneto-optical effect, thin-film coils (12) so provided as to correspond to the respective pixels of the magnetization setting layer (11) and adapted to generate a magnetic field so as to independently set the direction of magnetization of each pixel, and a reflective layer (13) for reflecting light provided between the magnetization setting layer (11) and the thin-film coils (12). The light incident on the spatial light modulator (1) is transmitted through the magnetization setting layer (11), reflected from the reflective layer (13), transmitted through the magnetization setting layer (11) again, and outputted. Rotation of direction of polarization corresponding to the direction of magnetization of each pixel of the magnetization setting layer (11) is imparted to the outputted light.