Nematic liquid-crystal technology for Si wafer-based reflective spatial light modulators

Various nematic LC modes are reviewed and compared in terms optical throughput, driving voltage, response time, contrast ratio, and spectral responses for LCoS applications. The effects of fringe-field-induced disclination on display performance and the mechanism of slow response of the disclination line between two topologically non-equivalent LC states will be discussed. Issues involving flicker and photo-instability of LCoS displays will be addressed as well.