High-Performance 1024-Pixel EO Spatial Light Modulator Using Cascaded Periodically-Poled Raman-Nath Gratings

Abstract

We propose and demonstrate an electro-optic Raman-Nath spatial light modulator with a wide acceptable angle using cascaded periodically-poled gratings. The modulator has three grating stages of harmonic periods for enhancement of the extinction ratio. The modulator of 1024 pixels for practical application was designed and fabricated in MgO:LiNbO3. The fine pixel profile and an extinction ratio > 20 were accomplished at 808-nm wavelength light of a 30-W multi-emitter semiconductor laser.