High speed, complex wavefront shaping using the digital micro-mirror device

Digital micro-mirror devices (DMDs) have been deployed in many optical applications. As compared to spatial light modulators (SLMs), they are characterized by their much faster refresh rates (full-frame refresh rates up to 32 kHz for binary patterns) compared to 120 Hz for most liquid crystal SLMs. DMDs however can only display binary, unipolar patterns and utilize temporal modulation to represent with excellent accuracy multiple gray-levels in display applications. We used the built-in time domain dynamic range representation of the DMD to project 8-bit complex-fields. With this method, we demonstrated 8-bit complex field modulation with a frame time of 38.4 ms (around 0.15 s for the entire complex-field). We performed phase conjugation by compensating the distortions incurred due to propagation through free-space and a scattering medium. For faster modulation speed, an electro-optic modulator was used in synchronization with the DMD in an amplitude modulation mode to create grayscale patterns with frame rate similar to 833 Hz with display time of only 1.2 ms instead of 38.4 ms for time multiplexing gaining a speed up by a factor of 32.

Automated summary

Digital micro-mirror devices (DMDs) offer advantages in optical applications with faster refresh rates and the ability to accurately display multiple gray-levels. By using time domain dynamic range representation for 8-bit complex-field projection, phase conjugation can be achieved to compensate for distortions. Synchronization with an electro-optic modulator allows for faster modulation speed and creation of grayscale patterns with a frame rate of up to 833 Hz.