This Immersion aims to share experiences of incorporating spatial light modulators into junior-level optics labs and senior year research projects. For example, in our junior-level optics course, students start out by assembling an “open cavity” HeNe laser that consists of a HeNe laser tube with bare windows at each end and external mirrors on a rail that need to be aligned to achieve lasing. The working laser then serves as the light source for subsequent experiments, including experiments with a Spatial Light Modulator (SLM), the focus of this immersion. SLMs are versatile: Their ability to manipulate the phase and/or amplitude of light in a spatially resolved and computer controlled manner can be used, for example, to generate holograms or create unusual states of light, such as beams with orbital angular momentum. They are a flexible way to implement and teach Fourier optics. With feedback of their output as recorded by a camera, SLMs can even be utilized as nonlinear dynamical systems that self-generate complex spatio-temporal dynamics.

If time allows, participants may image the Bessel beam’s helical phase fronts via interference, use the SLM as a spatial filter to manipulate the Fourier transform of an object, or pursue other extensions.

Participants do not need to bring anything, although a laptop for taking notes and saving any data files may be useful.

Safety:  Laser light will be present during the experiment, but will be at an eye safe power level. Laser safety goggles will be available as needed.  

Estimated cost:  The experiments can be performed with any laser light source of sufficient beam quality and educational SLMs, such as the Jasper Display SLM Education Kit (https://www.jasperdisplay.com/products/edk/jd955b/) (costs on the order of $5000), which will be available during the Immersion. A second systems used in the Immersion, reflecting the equipment utilized by our students, is a MiCOS HeNe laser (now eLas https://www.e-las.com/de/produkte/laser-grundlagen/ca-12000102-he-ne-laser/) and a Meadowlark SLM (https://www.meadowlark.com/product-family-details.php?pid=139).

NOTE:  Jasper Display Corp. is offering a $2000 discount to all participants in this Immersion experiment. Participants are also eligible to apply for a $2000 Reichert Foundation grant to purchase the Jasper SLM Education Kit. With the discount and a successful grant application, the SLM Education Kit net cost is only $1000.