Spatial light modulator of polymer-dispersed liquid crystal

Claim 1

A spatial light modulator comprising: a first electrode through which a first electro-magnetic radiation beam carrying information to be written into the modulator passes; a second electrode through which a second electro-magnetic radiation beam for reading the information written in the modulator passes; a photoconductive layer member whose impedance varying in response to an intensity of the first electro-magnetic radiation beam incident thereto; a photo-modulation layer member, comprising a composite layer of polymer and liquid crystal material dispersed in the polymer, modulating the second electro-magnetic radiation beam passing therethrough owing to an electro-optic effect of the photo-modulation layer member for reading the information written in the modulator; and reflecting means laminated to the photo-modulation layer member and comprising a light-absorbing layer including germanium for reflecting the second electro-magnetic radiation beam incident to and passing through the photo-modulation layer member; wherein the photoconductive layer member, the photo-modulation layer member, and the reflecting means are interposed between the first and second electrodes.