Form 9.B Project Summary
Chron:
971346
Proposal
Number:
25.02-8958
Project Title:
Real-Axis Programmable Spatial Light
Modulator for Compact and Rugged
Optical Correlators
Technical Abstract (Limit 200 words)
The success of optical correlators based on
programmable SLMs has led to the desire for
implementing the same functionality in a compact,
rugged package for use in space, military, and
industrial applications. Boulder Nonlinear Systems
(BNS) proposes to draw on its expertise in the
development of high-speed binary and multi-level
SLMs to develop a high-resolution, high-contrast,
light-efficient, multi-level SLM specifically for
integration into compact and rugged optical
correlators. The proposed device leverages a
$450,000 investment in a high-speed 512x512
multi-level SLM. This device lacks the required
optical contrast, light-efficiency, and small pixel
pitch required to build a compact, rugged optical
correlator. BNS proposes during Phase I to perform
advanced techniques for die-scale planarization of
the optical surface of our 512x512 multi-level
modulator; and liquid crystal alignments. The
combination of these should yield a high-contrast,
light-efficient, multi-level 512x512 SLM. During
Phase II, a new 512x512 SLM would be developed
utilizing these advances, as well as implementing a
smaller pixel pitch. The combination of the smaller
pixel pitch and the improved optical quality would
yield a near optimum SLM for compact, rugged
optical correlators. As the only current supplier of
high-speed analog SLMs, BNS is highly qualified to
complete such a program.
Potential Commercial Applications (Limit 200 words)
BNS has built substantial business around our
SLMs because we have designed them exclusively
for optical processing applications. This focus of
design objectives has so far resulted in three
successful SLM products, the 128x128 binary
SLM, the 256x256 binary SLM, and the 128x128
multi-level SLM. Most of our customers select our
product because our primary competitors are only
interested in the high volume display market, and
hence their products do not meet all of the
specifications that are important to the optical
processing community. Since the introduction of our
128x128 multi-level SLM, we have received
numerous requests for a higher resolution,
high-speed, high-contrast, multi-level SLM such as
the 512x512 SLM that we are proposing. Potential
customers that have shown interest in this
development include those in optical correlation,
holographic storage, beam steering, 3-D display,
printing, and optical computing. These inquiries
have come from the space, military, commercial,
and academic communities in our country as well as
abroad. With the successful completion of the
proposed Phase I and II efforts, we will be in a
position to offer this 512x512 SLM as a product,
the likes of which cannot currently be found
anywhere.
Name and Address of Principal Investigator (Name,
Organization Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)
kipp bauchert
Boulder Nonlinear Systems, Inc.
1898 South Flatiron Court
Boulder , CO 80301
Name and Address of Offeror (Firm Name, Mail Address,
City/State/Zip)
roylnn serati
Boulder Nonlinear Systems, Inc.
1898 South Flatiron Court
Boulder , CO 80301