OptiXplorer - Optics Education Kit:

OptiXplorer Optics Education Kit - Information Sheet (1,65 MB)

OptiXplorer Optics Education Kit - PowerPoint Presentation - PDF (387 KB)

Hardware:	Software:
Spatial light modulator with opto-mechanical mount SVGA resolution (800 x 600 pixel) 60 Hz frame rate, VGA-signal Laser module with opto-mechanical mount and beam expander Cable set 2 rotatable polarizers 1 mounting rail 4 posts, post holders and carriers	SLM user software (GUI for device settings) OptiXplorer software (for generating optical functions on the SLM) PhaseCam (Measurement software for interferometric experiments) LabVIEW - program “DynRon” (for diffraction measurements)

OptiXplorer - Experiment Modules:

In the AMP module the SLM is used as dynamic image generator. First the polarization characteristics of the light source and its change by transmission through the SLM are investigated. The basic laws of imaging and separation of illumination and imaging are reviewed to build a simple projector. The image magnification and contrast can be determined.

In the JON module the components of the SLM´s Jones matrix will be determined from transmission measurements using the rotatable polarizers. The LC cell´s birefringence, director orientation and twist can be derived from a well explained numerical calculation. Because multiple solutions are obtained, additional measurements with other wavelengths or with addressed grey levels are used to remove the ambiguities.

In the LIN module the SLM is first investigated as a static diffraction grating and some of its geometrical parameters can be derived. Using lenses, the far-field diffraction pattern can be observed even with a magnified diffraction angle. Binary linear gratings and 2D-separable gratings which can be used as beam-splitters and array generators are displayed on the SLM and the measured diffraction efficiencies are compared with the theoretical predictions.

In the RON module Ronchi gratings of variable greylevel contrast will be addressed and from the measured diffraction efficiencies the phase modulation can be derived. This measurement is first performed for a few gratings using the “OptiXplorer” software to understand the principle of measurement. With a LabView™ software program, this measurement can be repeated in an automated way. Thus, the best choice of orientation of the rotatable polarizers for obtaining high phase modulation can be determined.

In the CGH module the “OptiXplorer” software is used to generate dynamic lenses and prisms as well as dynamic CGHs (or DOEs) for user-specified signals using the IFTA algorithm. Using ABCD matrices, the measurements of positions of optical elements and distances to the plane of Fraunhofer diffraction can be compared with theoretical predictions. Superimposed lens and prism functions are used to move the far-field pattern in space and to spatially separate it from the undiffracted light, thereby delivering a levely introduction to the principles of Fourier optics.

In the INT module a simple two-beam interferometer is used to create interference fringes which are recorded on a CCD camera. The two beams are mutually phase-shifted by the SLM, which is used to display half-screen images. The spatial fringe-shift can be used to derive the phase modulation. The measurement is first performed with the “OptiXplorer” software in order to understand the principle of measurement. The measurement can be repeated with the provided “PhaseCam” software in an automated fashion yielding more accurate results.