Near-perfect hologram reconstruction with a spatial light modulator

We present an implementation method for noiseless holographic projection of precalculated light fields with a spatial light modulator. In the reconstructed image, both the spatial amplitude and phase distributions can be programmed independently. This is achieved by diffracting the light from two successive phase holograms that are located in conjugate Fourier planes. The light path is folded such that the two corresponding phase masks can be displayed side by side at a single phase-only spatial light modulator. Such a device has relevant applications in holographic display-or projection systems, and for optical micromanipulation in laser tweezers. (C) 2008 Optical Society of America.