Applications of the Priz light modulator

Two-dimensional polarization encoding with a phase-only liquid-crystal spatial light modulator

We show how to two dimensionally encode the polarization state of an incident light beam using a parallel-aligned liquid-crystal spatial light modulator (LCSLM). Each pixel of the LCSLM acts as a voltage-controlled wave plate and can be programmed over a 2pi phase range at a wavelength of 514.5 nm. Techniques are reviewed for either rotating the major axis of elliptically polarized light or for converting an input linearly polarized beam into an arbitrary elliptically polarized beam. Experimental results are demonstrated in which we generate various two-dimensional spatial patterns of polarized light. Several potential applications are suggested. We also report an unexpected edge-enhancement effect that might be useful in image processing applications.

Real time optical edge enhancement using a Hughes liquid crystal light valve

A new real time edge enhancement effect using a Hughes CdS liquid crystal light valve and ts use in optical correlation are reported.