Spatial Light Modulator Cooling for Stable Phase Modulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spatial light modulators face challenges in accurately correcting the magnitude of application voltage due to temperature deviations between the liquid crystal layer and the temperature sensor, particularly when high-intensity light is incident, leading to deviations in phase modulation amounts that affect processing accuracy and image quality.
Innovation Solution
A light modulation device and method that includes a cooler to maintain the liquid crystal layer at a set temperature based on the intensity of incident light, using a controller to determine the set temperature and voltage magnitude to minimize temperature deviations, thereby maintaining accurate phase modulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the temperature sensor is disposed on the back surface of the spatial light modulator, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision of the liquid crystal layer temperature deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a temperature sensor as an intermediary component that indirectly measures the liquid crystal layer temperature through the substrate. The sensor is disposed on the back surface of the spatial light modulator, and the substrate acts as a thermal conductor mediating between the liquid crystal layer and the sensor, enabling temperature detection without direct contact with the liquid crystal layer.
2Productivity
If high-intensity light is incident on the liquid crystal layer, then the productivity is improved, but the temperature stability of the liquid crystal layer deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control mechanism where the temperature sensor continuously monitors the liquid crystal layer temperature, and the controller adjusts the application voltage based on the detected temperature to maintain stable phase modulation characteristics even under high-intensity light irradiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically changes the application voltage parameter in response to temperature variations caused by high-intensity light incident on the liquid crystal layer, thereby maintaining consistent phase modulation performance despite temperature fluctuations.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the temperature of the liquid crystal layer increases, then the use of energy by moving object is improved, but the manufacturing precision of phase modulation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback control where the temperature sensor detects liquid crystal layer temperature and the controller adjusts the application voltage accordingly, ensuring precise phase modulation is maintained even when energy input causes temperature increases.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary temperature compensation by calculating the required voltage adjustment based on the detected temperature deviation from the reference temperature, applying the corrected voltage before phase modulation to ensure accuracy.
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
The solution effectively reduces deviations in actual phase modulation amounts from target values, enhancing processing accuracy and image quality by maintaining consistent temperature and voltage settings despite varying light intensities.
Implementation Method 1
the birefringence index of the liquid crystal changes
Implementation Method 2
liquid crystal molecules rotate according to the magnitude of the voltage
Implementation Method 3
a cooler, and a temperature adjustment unit that includes the cooler and a controller
Implementation Method 4
the temperature detected by the temperature sensor deviates from the temperature of the liquid crystal layer
Data Source
AI summary
A light modulation device includes a light source; a controller; and a spatial light modulator. The light source outputs laser light having an intensity corresponding to a set intensity. The spatial light modulator includes a plurality of pixel electrodes, a liquid crystal layer, a driver, and a cooler. The liquid crystal layer modulates a phase of the laser light according to a magnitude of an electric field formed by each of the plurality of pixel electrodes. The driver applies a voltage to each of the plurality of pixel electrodes. The cooler cools the liquid crystal layer such that a temperature of the liquid crystal layer approaches a set temperature. The controller determines the set temperature of the cooler based on the set intensity of the laser light.