Laser beam steering and tracking using a liquid crystal spatial light modulator

Emil Haellstig; Johan Stigwall; Mikael Lindgren; Lars Sjoqvist

doi:10.1117/12.486892

21 August 2003 Laser beam steering and tracking using a liquid crystal spatial light modulator

Emil Haellstig, Johan Stigwall, Mikael Lindgren, Lars Sjoqvist

Proceedings Volume 5087, Laser Systems Technology; (2003) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.486892
Event: AeroSense 2003, 2003, Orlando, Florida, United States

Abstract

A linear one-dimensional, 1x4096 pixel, zero-twist nematic liquid crystal spatial light modulator (SLM) was evaluated for laser beam steering and tracking applications. The commercially obtained SLM is designed to operate at, λ = 850 nm, allowing more than 2 π phase modulation. Due to voltage leakage the phase modulation experienced by the wave front differed from the ideal calculated phase patterns. This cross talk between pixels reduces the diffraction efficiency. Different methods developed to compensate for this effect are presented. The usable steering range of the SLM was extended to ± 2 degrees using improved phase patterns. A simple model was developed to simulate the optical effects of the voltage leakage. Preliminary tracking experiments were carried out in a laboratory set-up using a moving corner cube retro reflector. The beam steering SLM was implemented in a transceiver for free-space optical communication. Initial results using the transceiver up to 180 m range are presented.

Citation Download Citation

Emil Haellstig, Johan Stigwall, Mikael Lindgren, and Lars Sjoqvist "Laser beam steering and tracking using a liquid crystal spatial light modulator", Proc. SPIE 5087, Laser Systems Technology, (21 August 2003); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.486892

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