Cascade Operation of Light Beam Deflectors by Fly's Eye Lenses

Optimal cascade operation of optical phased-array beam deflectors

An optimal strategy for cascading phased-array deflectors is presented that allows for high-resolution random-access beam steering with continuous scan-angle control but requires a minimum number of control lines. The system is analyzed theoretically by use of a Fourier optics approach and then verified experimentally. A pair of 32-channel optical phased arrays fabricated by use of surface electrodes on lanthanum-modified lead zirconate titanate (PLZT) was sandwiched together to form a functional two-stage phased-array cascade. Experimental results from the PLZT-based two-stage deflector are presented that confirm the performance enhancements of the optimized cascading technique. A phase-staggered discrete-offset-bias protocol for controlling the cascaded system is shown to be optimal in terms of maximum diffraction efficiency and minimum number of control lines, while still providing for full analog scan control.

MnBi Films as Potential Storage Media in Holographic Optical Memories

Because of its alterability and stability, an MnBi thin film is a potential candidate for the storage medium in a read-write-erase in situ holographic optical memory. The conditions and the physical mechanism of holographic storage will be discussed, together with experimental results. A simple holographic memory system will be proposed which uses the same write-in reference beam for readout beam.