Development Issues for MCP-Based Spatial Light Modulators

Abstract

Several of the most critically needed characteristics for two-dimensional (2-D) spatial light modulators (SLMs) include i)high input sensitivity, ii)high resolution, iii)long storage times, iv)high speed, and v)large dynamic range. One would desire to maximize all these characteristics simultaneously, but in actuality there exist tradeoffs that prohibit complete freedom in optimizing one parameter in isolation from the others. The microchannel-plate (MCP) devices, however, can be shown to have tradeoff points allowing unique performance in several of the above characteristics. The use of an MCP electron amplifier allows for internal signal gain, unlike most other SLMs where the output signal gain can be increased only by increasing the readout light level. Thus, detection and processing of very low signal levels, such as often encountered in multistage and feedback processing, becomes feasible. Further, MCP-based devices can intrinsically perform special image-processing operations (see Sec. III below).