How to generate macropixel patterns for SLMs/DMDs with the Layout module

In many wavefront shaping experiments, such as for optimization experiments, like the seminal work by I. Vellkoop and A. Mosk, or for measuring the transmission matrix, one needs to control the amplitude and/or the phase of the field on a given number of macropixels (i.e. groups of pixels). Using DMDs, amplitude, and phase modulation can be achieved using the Lee hologram method and then sending the binary images to the device using the for ALP4lib in Python for Vialux DMDs. I released here a module written by M. W. Matthès and myself to easily and efficiently generate such patterns. The code can be found on my Github account here as well as an amplitude and phase modulation example: layout_amplitude_phase_modulation.ipynb.

Setting up a DMD/SLM: Aberration effects

Digital Micromirror Devices (DMDs) are amplitude only (binary) modulators, however, pretty much like liquid crystal modulators, they introduce some phase distortion. Practically, it means that if one illuminates the modulator with a plane wave, even when all the pixels are set to the same value, the wavefront shows phase distortions after reflection. That can be detrimental, especially when working in a plane conjugated with the Fourier plane of the DMD surface. Fortunately, using the Lee hologram method or the superpixel method, one can achieve phase modulation. I present here how to use Lee holograms to characterize and compensate for aberrations when using a DMD. This approach can also be applied for compensating for aberration effects in other types of Spatial Light Modulators, such as liquid crystal ones.

How to calibrate linearly aligned nematic liquid crystal based SLMs

Setting up a DMD: Diffraction effects

I recently acquired a Digital Micromirror Device (DMD) and when I started setting up the experiment, I faced a problem I did not anticipate which is closely related to blazed gratings. Due to the fact that the surface of a DMD is not flat, diffraction orders are shifted compared to the optical axis. This shift depends on the pixel pitch, the wavelength, and the incident angle. A close look at this diffraction phenomenon is important to configure an experimental setup properly. It is even relevant to consider this effect before choosing the appropriate DMD model to buy.