We present the design and characterization of a spatial light modulator (SLM) comprising a ferroelectric-liquid-crystal light-modulating layer on top of a silicon integrated circuit. Spatial light modulators, as dynamic flat-panel optical devices, have witnessed rapid development over the past two decades, concomitant with the advancements in micro- and opto-electronic integration technology. However, to extend the electro-optic application of LCs into MWIR and LWIR, several key technical challenges have to be overcome: (1) low absorption loss, (2) high birefr ngence, (3) low operation voltage, and (4) fast response time. In a new review published in Opto-Electronic Science, the authors showcase the recent advances in replacing the traditional static optical toolkit with a modern digital toolkit for "light on demand.
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