0000000000241981
AUTHOR
Aarón Cofré
Vortex beam generation and other advanced optics experiments reproduced with a twisted-nematic liquid-crystal display with limited phase modulation
In this work we propose the use of twisted-nematic liquid-crystal spatial light modulators (TN-LC-SLM) as a useful tool for training students in the manipulation of light beams with phase-only masks. In particular, we focus the work on the realization of phase-only gratings and phase-only spiral phases for the generation of vortex beams, beams carrying orbital angular momentum (OAM). Despite the extensive activity in this field, its experimental implementation for educational purposes is limited because it requires the use of very expensive high-resolution liquid-crystal on silicon (LCOS) SLMs. Here, we show that a low-cost experimental implementation can be done with older TNLC technology.…
Programmable Supercontinuum Laser Spectrum Generator Based on a Liquid-Crystal on Silicon Spatial Light Modulator
Supercontinuum (SC) lasers combine a broadband light spectrum with the unique properties of single-mode lasers. In this work we present an optical system to spectrally filter a SC laser source using liquid-crystal on silicon (LCoS) spatial light modulators (SLM). The proposed optical system disperses the input laser and the spectrally separated components are projected onto the LCoS-SLM, where the state of polarization of each wavelength is separately modulated. Finally, recombining the modulated spectral components results in an output laser source where the spectrum can be controlled dynamically from a computer. The system incorporates two branches to independently control the visible (VI…