Abstract

This thesis improves on the design of the leaky-mode spatial light modulator, LMW-SLM, presented by Dr. Smalley[1]. Improvements include: input coupling gratings, a pulsed laser input, output coupling gratings, and a 3D printed adjustable module for the stabilization of critical alignments. First, input coupling gratings reduce the cost of the LMW-SLM from $500 to around $2, a drop in cost of over two orders of magnitude. This enables multiple modulators to be used in a single display and allows for an inexpensive modular design to be created. Second, a pulsed laser input allows for image creation without the use of a polygon for derotation. Removal of the polygon allows for direct viewing of the LMW-SLM output enabling near-eye and flat panel displays. Third, output coupling gratings allow for bottom exit devices that are essential for thin substrates and flat panel displays. Fourth, the 3D printed module allows for the critical alignments of the LMW-SLM to become permanent. This in turns allows for transportation of the created displays without a trained technician by abstracting away the complexities of the device. The resulting changes simplify hardware, reduce cost, and enable the LMW-SLM to be modularized and the resulting 3D displays to be transportable. These improvements are made possible by the addition of a one new mask step during fabrication, a simple circuit design, and a 3D printed module designed in SOLIDWORKS. Included in this thesis as attachments are the MATLab, Eagle, and SOLIDWORKS files used to create the improved LMW-SLM.

Degree

College and Department

Ira A. Fulton College of Engineering and Technology; Electrical and Computer Engineering

Rights

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