Invention:
Researchers at the University of Arizona have developed an apparatus and means of using Texas Instruments DLP® Digital Micromirror Devices (DMDs) in more than a binary manner. The novel apparatus and means produces a spatial light modulator that also acts as an angular light modulator. One set of embodiments allows an entire field of an image to be steered for illumination or detection.
Background:
The Digital Micromirror Device (DMD) is a type of Spatial Light Modulator (SLM) composed of an array of micromirrors. Each mirror, acting as a pixel in a display, is a binary switch rotating between two states located at +12 degrees and -12 degrees (specific product dependent), effectively “on” and “off” states. The DMD is typically used as a binary device.
Applications:
Advantages:
- High speed with a wide angular range
- Inexpensive compared to conventional devices
