Adaptive illumination systems with programmable freeform optics?

Abstract

Adaptive illumination systems are capable of changing their emission pattern in a dynamic and flexible manner. Such systems can be realized with tunable optical components. We analyse the possibilities and limitations of phase-only spatial light modulators, implemented as a kind of programmable freeform optics, to realize adaptive illumination systems. First, the calculation of the required phase shift patterns to generate specific target irradiance distributions from arbitrary incident wavefronts, is elaborated. Second, the practical limitations of generating prescribed target patterns are experimentally tested and critically discussed.