Non-Transmissive Bacteriorhodopsin Spatial Light Modulator

Physical Optics Corporation proposes to demonstrate an innovative spatial light modulator (SLM), based on a proprietary optical technology and bacteriorhodopsin (br) thin films, that promises to significantly outperform any commercially available SLM. In the proposed SLM, light does not transmit thriugh the bacteriorhodopsin film, distinguishing it from all of the br SLMs demonstrated to date. Because of this, POC's SLM design eliminates the need for ultra-high optical quality br films. Our technology also requires much thinner br films (5 micro meters as compared to 100 micro miters required for conventional bR SLMs), which simplifies fabrication and reduces cost. POC proposes to investigate the use sol-gel techniques to fabricate the bacteriorhodopsin films used in the proposed SLM, enabling the bR mocules in the films to be surronded by a moist, proton rich, pH buffered environment. This type of film promises desirable optical properties and many useful read/erase cycles. The proposed SLM also promises >25 kHz frame rates, >30 dB dynamic range, continuous grey scale, small pixel sizes (<10 micro meters), high optical fidelity, and simple fabrication and optical addressing.