Optical Arrangement for Complex Light Field Modulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current complex-valued light modulation techniques face challenges in achieving a balance between manufacturing requirements, component availability, and resolution, particularly in modulating different light wavelengths, and often require additional system effort or compromise on resolution.
Innovation Solution
An optical arrangement comprising a programmable surface light modulator and a phase element, where the phase element affects multiple neighboring modulator pixels, and an optical system superimposes areas of the surface light modulator to achieve a predeterminable complex light value, allowing for adjustable amplitude and phase modulation without changing the phase element's setting for varying wavelengths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional light modulators are used for complex-valued light modulation, then amplitude and phase can be modulated, but additional system effort is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines amplitude modulation and phase modulation into a single integrated system using one spatial light modulator. The SLM simultaneously controls both amplitude and phase of light waves through a unified control mechanism, eliminating the need for separate modulators and reducing system complexity while maintaining full complex-valued modulation capability
2Device complexity
If macropixel methods are used for complex modulation, then a single modulator can be used, but resolution is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality control by allowing each pixel within the SLM to independently control both amplitude and phase parameters. This per-pixel independent control enables high-resolution complex modulation without requiring macropixel grouping, thereby maintaining fine spatial resolution while using a single modulator device
3Adaptability or versatility
If the first diffraction order is used for complex modulation, then phase modulation can be achieved with an amplitude modulator, but all further diffraction orders must be excluded by aperture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the single spatial light modulator universally capable of performing both amplitude modulation and phase modulation functions simultaneously. The SLM is designed to directly modulate both parameters without requiring separate diffraction order selection optics or aperture elements, simplifying the optical path while maintaining full modulation capability
4Adaptability or versatility
If conventional systems are used to modulate different light wavelengths, then wavelength versatility can be achieved, but phase element setting changes are required frequently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adaptability where the single spatial light modulator can rapidly reconfigure its modulation parameters for different light wavelengths on-the-fly. The system dynamically adjusts amplitude and phase control settings electronically without requiring physical phase element changes, enabling fast wavelength switching and reducing time loss while maintaining wavelength versatility
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enables precise adjustment of light field distributions with varying amplitude and phase, reducing the need for frequent phase element setting changes and improving the resolution and versatility of complex light field modulation across different wavelengths.
Implementation Method 1
The optical system is designed to image multiple regions (in particular, adjacent regions) of the area light modulator in a superimposed manner
Implementation Method 2
The phase element is designed to have a time-invariant influence on the phase of light contributions from different beam paths
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a phase and phase/amplitude spatial light modulator arrangement for generating a complex-valued light field with a spatial light modulator, a phase element and an optical system. The phase and amplitude spatial light modulator arrangement is configured to generate a light field the amount and phase of which are adjustable. Also provided is a method for operating a combined spatial light modulator for generating a complex-value light field. The method includes adapting an optical property in a plurality of regions of a phase element. Further there is provided a method for operating an optical arrangement for modulating different light wavelengths, which method includes an adjustment of a plurality of phase influences in a plurality of regions of a phase modulator. Lastly, a method is provided for operating an optical arrangement, which method includes an adjustment of an amplitude spatial light modulator in order to modulate light intensities in at least two beam paths.