United States of America As Represented by the Secretary of the Air Force

David Armitage

John I Thackara

Digital data processing unit includes two SLMs assembled back-to-back with a common photoreceptor, to form a bidirectional spatial light modulator (BSLM) which facilitates the flow of data in the forward and reverse directions. An image can be written from the left side of the BSLM and read from the left or right side of the unit. An image can also be written from the right side and read from the right or left or both sides of the unit. The photoreceptor sums the light image intensities when data is concurrently written from both sides into the photoreceptor.

Bidirectional spatial light modulator for neural network computers

A method for transferring a dielectric mirror prepared on an optical flat replication substrate to a utilization device having a nonflat surface. In order to separate the replication substrate from the mirror after the mirror has been cemented to the device at room temperature and the cement allowed to cure over an extended time period, the composite assembly is inserted into a fixture which provides a buckling force to the center of the replication substrate to cause the replication substrate to be peeled from the mirror.

Method for replicating an optical element

A micromirror spatial light modulator having an associated silicon photodiode for photoaddressing a micromirror array, and a readout system for providing intensity-to-position encoding and for providing a color image from coded monochromatic input light.

Micromirror spatial light modulator

A spatial light modulator in which the photoreceptor is a capacitively coupled semiconductor in the form of a silicon-silicon dioxide-transparent electrode structure.

Spatial light modulator having a capacitively coupled photoconductor

A differentiating spatial light modulator device in which a photoreceptor and an electro-optic crystal are isolated by a dielectric mirror. The electro-optic crystal is configured to have low or zero longitudinal response, yet is sensitive to transverse electric fields. The fringe field generated by the photoreceptor (photodiode) modultes the crystal birefringence. Readout via a polarizing beamsplitter gives an output light related to the spatial gradient of the input light. In a liquid crystal embodiment of the invention, reversal of the applied voltage gives a driven off state which speeds the erasure. Storage is possible in the smectic liquid crystal phase.

Differentiating spatial light modulator

A spatial light modulator having a lattice of microgrooves formed on the surface of the silicon photodiode nearest the electro-optic cyrstal to prevent lateral charge transfer at this surface.

Charge isolation in a spatial light modulator

An electron bombarded silicon spatial light modulator in which electrons leaving a microchannel plate amplifier are accelerated to penetrate a silicon photodiode forming electron-hole pairs therein and resulting in significant current gains.

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Los Altos, CA, United States of America

David Armitage