This application discloses a
spatial light modulator, driving method, free-space
optical antenna, device, and
system, relating to the field of free-space
optical communication technology. The
spatial light modulator includes a first substrate, a first
electrode, a
liquid crystal layer, a second
electrode, and a second substrate. The first
electrode is a
planar electrode, and the second electrode includes multiple sub-electrodes spaced apart from each other. The multiple sub-electrodes are arranged sequentially from the inside to the outside around a center. When different driving voltages are applied to the first electrode and the sub-electrodes respectively, the
liquid crystal material in the
liquid crystal layer flips under the action of the
electric field, resulting in different equivalent
dielectric constants of the liquid
crystal material. This allows the
spatial light modulator to adjust the intensity and phase of the incident
light beam to modulate different types of light beams, achieving
adaptive switching of
light beam types. In particular, it can achieve
adaptive switching of different types of light beams in a sharp beam, improving anti-turbulence capability and enhancing the stability of the
communication link.