2D beam shaping via 1D spatial light modulation

TL;DR

This paper introduces a gradient-based inverse design method using a static phase-mask doublet to generate 2D intensity wavefronts from a 1D SLM, reducing routing complexity in optical systems.

Contribution

It presents a novel approach to produce 2D wavefronts from a 1D SLM, enabling simpler optical routing and potential for advanced pixel architectures.

Findings

Successfully mapped 49 1D elements to 7x7 2D distributions

Reduced routing complexity in 2D SLM systems

Potential for next-generation SLM pixel designs

Abstract

Many emerging reconfigurable optical systems are limited by routing complexity when producing dynamic, two-dimensional (2D) electric fields. Using a gradient-based inverse designed, static phase-mask doublet, we propose an optical system to produce 2D intensity wavefronts using a one-dimensional (1D) intensity Spatial Light Modulator (SLM). We show the capability of mapping each point in a 49 element 1D array to a distinct 7x7 2D spatial distribution. Our proposed method will significantly relax the routing complexity of 2D sub-wavelength SLMs, possibly enabling next-generation SLMs to leverage novel pixel architectures and new materials.