Spatial light modulator with sub-divided modulation elements

Claim 1

A spatial light modulator, comprising: (a) a plurality of individual unitary light-modifying pixel elements, said pixel elements being arranged in a plurality of lines to form an array; and (b) means for separately changing the light-modifying condition of each of said individual light-modifying elements; (c) each of said pixel elements including: i) an active surface from or through which light may be reflected or transmitted; and ii) one or more inactive bands on said active surface, said inactive band or bands dividing said active surface of said pixel element into a plurality of substantially equal light-modifying portions forming a greater number of lines of narrower width than the width of said pixel element; and wherein iii) all said portions on each said pixel element each result in an identical light-modifying action.