Surface wave (plasmon) SLM´s and their potential uniformity advantages

The characteristics of surface plasmon light modulators are compared with those of other structures used in SLM´s, in order to investigate the possible response uniformity advantages offered by the thin, single surface nature of the surface plasmon resonance effect. Detailed comparison is made with fractional waveplate structures for liquid crystal based devices, and with Fabry-Perot structures for semiconductor devices. The critical device fabrication technologies, dimensions, and required tolerances are described in each case and judged in the light of current SLM performance requirements