Spatial light modulator and process of modulation

摘要

Coherent light such as a laser beam is spatially modulated by causing it to interact at a photosensitive material such as a crystal with a focussed image of non-coherent light. An electric potential is applied to the crystal either transversely to the direction of the light or in line with the direction of the light according to either the Kerr effect or the Pockels effect. Typical crystals include Bismuth-silicon-oxide and strontium-barium-niobate.