Comparison of operation parameters between binary and analogue switching pixellated light valves

The paper describes operation parameters of light valves (or optically addressed spatial light modulators (OASLMs)) which incorporate the pixellated binary (SCE 13) and a pixellated analogue (Chisso 2004) switching liquid crystal effect devices. The four operation parameters, namely the spatial resolution at 50% modulation, switching speed (or frame rate), sensitivity, and contrast ratio for the SCE 13 device were 54 lines/mm, 3.5 kHz, 2.3 mW/cm² and 17:1, respectively. Those of its Chisso 2004 counterpart were 52 lines/mm, 2.5 kHz, 2.5 mW/cm² and 10.8:1. Modulated output images acquired by writing the United States Air Force (USAF) resolution chart and a slide on the photosensitive layer of the light valve are shown