Spatial Light Modulator Reflective Transmissive Pixel Layout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spatial light modulation devices face challenges in achieving high light efficiency, large fill factor, and minimizing crosstalk between pixels, particularly due to diffraction effects and complex alignment requirements in sandwich structures.
Innovation Solution
A spatial light modulation device is designed with reflective and transmissive pixels alternated in the same substrate plane, where transistors and data lines are arranged under the reflective pixels, allowing for a larger pixel aperture and increased fill factor. This configuration also incorporates a single addressable transmissive layer for both phase and amplitude modulation, reducing the need for complex alignment and enhancing light efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a complex light modulator sandwich structure with successive amplitude modulator and phase modulator is used, then complex light modulation is achieved, but pixel-by-pixel alignment becomes extremely difficult and crosstalk occurs due to diffraction effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines phase modulation and amplitude modulation into a single spatial light modulation device layer, eliminating the need for separate successive modulators and their complex alignment. This merging approach maintains complex light modulation capability while removing the alignment precision problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the modulation function by using reflective pixels for phase modulation and transmissive pixels for amplitude modulation within the same device layer, allowing independent optimization of each function without requiring precise alignment between separate components.
2Ease of operation
If transistors and data lines are arranged in the backplane for each pixel, then pixel control is achieved, but the pixel aperture is reduced and fill factor decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the transistor and data line arrangement to the reflective pixel region, utilizing the vertical dimension and reflective path to route signals away from the transmissive pixel aperture, thereby maintaining full pixel aperture area while preserving individual pixel control capability.
3Loss of energy
If reflective pixels are used for phase modulation, then light efficiency is improved, but the arrangement complexity with transmissive pixels increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different modulation types (reflective for phase, transmissive for amplitude) to different local regions (pixels) of the spatial light modulation device, optimizing light efficiency for phase modulation while maintaining simplicity through systematic alternation patterns.
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 proposed configuration significantly increases the fill factor and light efficiency of the spatial light modulation device, minimizes crosstalk between pixels, and simplifies the production process by eliminating the need for complex alignment of phase and amplitude pixels.
Implementation Method 1
Substantially one half of the pixels of the spatial light modulation device are designed as reflective, the other half of the pixels being designed as transmissive
Implementation Method 2
spatial light modulation device which allows incident light to be modulated in terms of its phase and amplitude
Implementation Method 3
minimizing crosstalk between pixels, particularly due to diffraction effects
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a light modulation device having pixels. Essentially, the one half of the pixels are reflective and the other half of the pixels are transmissive. The reflective pixels are arranged in alternation with the transmissive pixels in the same substrate plane. The light modulation device also has a backplane, which has transistors and data lines for conducting signals to the pixels. Each pixel is assigned at least one transistor and at least two data lines. The transistors and the data lines of each adjacent pair of a reflective pixel and a transmissive pixel are arranged under the reflective pixel.