LCOS Spatial Light Modulator for Digital Holography

Abstract

Liquid crystal on silicon (LCOS) spatial light modulator (SLM) is the most widely used optical engine for digital holography. This paper aims to provide an overview of the applications of phase-only LCOS in two-dimensional (2D) holography. It begins with a brief introduction to the holography theory along with its development trajectory, followed by the fundamental operating principle of phase-only LCOS SLMs. Hardware performance of LCOS SLMs (in terms of frame rate, phase linearity and flicker) and related experimental results are presented. Finally, potential improvements and applications are discussed for futuristic holographic displays.