Analog LCOS SLM devices for AR display applications

Liquid crystal on silicon (LCOS) device is a potential candidate for spatial light modulators (SLMs) due to its high resolution and the wide range of tunable phase retardation. Besides the telecom applications, SLM is also very promising for display applications, especially for the augmented reality (AR) displays. In this paper, we will discuss the advantages of analog LCOS SLM compared with the digital one. A 0.6‐in short‐loop sample test result with precise cell gap controlled is discussed. A fast liquid crystal with high birefringence that attains less than 2.5‐ms full‐on–full‐off response time is also introduced. Regarding the computer‐generated hologram (CGH), a new algorithm called multiconstraints angular spectrum algorithm (MASA) is proposed to enhance the image quality of dual‐plane holographic projection. Analog LCOS SLM is fabricated for AR display applications. Precise phase control and fast response time are achieved. A dual‐plane CGH algorithm called “MASA” is presented with good image quality.