Computer-generated holograms using phase front elements for higher resolution LCoS spatial light modulators

Area of Science:

• Optoelectronics
• Photonics
• Materials Science

Background:

• Traditional liquid crystal on silicon (LCoS) devices face limitations in pixel pitch reduction.
• At very small scales (e.g., 2µm pixel pitch), liquid crystal behavior becomes complex, affecting both amplitude and phase.
• Existing pixel architectures are insufficient to capture this nuanced wavefront response.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a new architecture for LCoS devices designed for significantly reduced pixel pitch.
• To address the non-uniform wavefront response observed at the micro/nanoscale.
• To propose and validate a novel concept for advanced phase modulation.

Main Methods:

• Conceptualization of a new pixel architecture termed 'phase front elements' (PFEs).
• Development of a modified Gerchberg-Saxton algorithm for hologram generation.
• Simulation-based verification of the PFE concept and algorithm feasibility.

Main Results:

• The proposed PFE architecture effectively accounts for non-uniform amplitude and phase modulation across micro-pixels.
• The modified Gerchberg-Saxton algorithm successfully quantizes complex modulation for target far-field intensity projection.
• Simulations demonstrate the theoretical feasibility of generating Fourier-plane holograms using PFEs.

Conclusions:

• The phase front element architecture is a viable concept for next-generation LCoS devices with reduced pixel pitch.
• This approach enables precise control over wavefront modulation at the microscale.
• The study serves as a proof-of-concept for advanced holographic applications using LCoS technology.