Analysis of LCoS displays performance in diffractive optics

Abstract

In this paper, we describe the Mueller-Jones combined method which is useful to optimize the LCoS displays phase response. This method, by means of the experimentally obtained Mueller matrices of the device, enables to obtain pairs of states of polarization (for the generation and for the detection states), which lead to the phase-only modulation regime. Moreover, some experimental results are provided as a function of the incident angle, wavelength and gray level. In addition, we also show the strong dependence of the LCoS performance with the signal addressed to the device, which affects the value of different physical parameters, such as the global phase-shift or the time-fluctuations in phase. Retardance curve and time-fluctuations in phase for the different sequences studied are obtained from the experimental Mueller matrices (the former) and by using a diffractive based set-up (the latter). The efficiency of basic diffractive optical elements is tested with the LCoS display, emphasizing the suitability of the best electrical sequence found when used in diffractive optics.