Spatial light modulator based on a deformed-helix ferroelectric liquid crystal and a thin a-si:h amorphous photoconductor

We have developed an optically addressed spatial light modulator (OASLM) based on a deformed-helix ferroelectric liquid crystal ~DHFLC! and a thin (0.5-µm) amorphous a-Si:H photoconductor. The thin photoconductor permits operation in the transmission mode of a read beam. The OASLM, operated in the integrated mode, exhibits gray levels, a high contrast (>1:40), and a high spatial resolution (exceeding 57 lines/mm). This is a significant improvement over previously reported OASLM’s based on DHFLC’s.