Deformed-helix ferroelectric liquid-crystal spatial light modulator that demonstrates high diffraction efficiency and 370-line pairs/mm resolution.

New liquid-crystal media and photoconductor materials are being utilized in spatial light modulators to increase their resolution, diffraction efficiency, speed, and sensitivity. A prototypical device developed for real-time holography applications has shown an 8% diffraction efficiency from a holographic grating with a spatial frequency of 370 line pairs/mm (lp/mm). At 18 lp/mm the device has demonstrated a 31% diffraction efficiency with a 600-micros hologram write time using 400-nJ/cm(2) write beams.