Improved vanadium-dioxide-based infrared spatial light modulator

David W. Blodgett; Michael J. Elko; Philip J. McNally

doi:10.1117/12.177949

15 June 1994 Improved vanadium-dioxide-based infrared spatial light modulator

David W. Blodgett, Michael J. Elko, Philip J. McNally

Proceedings Volume 2223, Characterization and Propagation of Sources and Backgrounds; (1994) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.177949
Event: SPIE's International Symposium on Optical Engineering and Photonics in Aerospace Sensing, 1994, Orlando, FL, United States

Abstract

As was previously reported, a spatial light modulator (SLM) is being fabricated that exploits vanadium dioxide's (VO₂) thermally induced transition from a semiconductive-to-metallic state. This transformation causes the film to change from a state of low to high reflectivity in the 3 - 12 micrometers region. Thermal control of the VO₂ is provided by an array of p-n junction diodes, each diode constituting the center of a single `pixel' in the SLM. As power is applied to a diode, it generates heat, thereby providing an electrical means of controlling the reflective state of the VO₂ film on its surface. The design of the SLM is driven by the need for a high optical contrast, large scale implementation, and high refresh rate. Unfortunately, these requirements are not conducive to each other, so compromises must be made. Optimizations of this design using either microchannel or chemical vapor deposition diamond heat sinks are reported. Both of these simulated designs attained pixel switching times in excess of 650 Hz.

Citation Download Citation

David W. Blodgett, Michael J. Elko, and Philip J. McNally "Improved vanadium-dioxide-based infrared spatial light modulator", Proc. SPIE 2223, Characterization and Propagation of Sources and Backgrounds, (15 June 1994); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.177949

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