Thorlabs Exlus-hd1 User manual

SPATIAL LIGHT MODULATORS

Applications

Wavefront Correction

Optical Trapping

Beam Steering

Pulse Shaping

Adaptive Optics

Holography

Laser Processing

Lithography

Click to Enlarge

Each Exulus SLM features multiple 8-

32 (M4) taps for post mounting. For a

list of items used in this setup, see the

App Note

tab.

Click to Enlarge

The Exulus SLMs (excluding the high-

power SLMs) are provided with a

magnetic cover; when the SLM is in

use, the cover can be attached to the

designated area on the housing (sides

for the HD1 models and back for the

Features

Liquid Crystal on Silicon (LCoS) with Reflective Coating

Panel Resolutions: 1920 x 1080 or 1920 x 1200

Operating Wavelengths: 400 - 850 nm, 650 - 1100 nm, or

1550 nm

High-Power Models Available for 400 - 850 nm or 650 - 1100 nm Operating Ranges

All-in-One and Separate-Panel Mounting Configurations

Liquid Cooling Module Included on SLM Head

Fill Factor: >90% (Varies by Model)

Independent Horizontal and Vertical SLM Panel Tilt Adjustments (Standard SLM

Models Only)

Trigger Output for Timing Control of Other Devices (All Models Except

EXULUS-HD1)

Fast Frame/Refresh Rates up to 180 Hz (EXULUS-HD1 Only, Using

Frame Boost)

Customizations Available:

Panel and Controller in Separate Units (Standard SLM Models

Only)

Other Retardance Ranges (Contact Tech Support for Details)

Thorlabs' Exulus® Spatial Light Modulators (SLMs) employ Liquid Crystal on

Silicon (LCoS) technology to produce high-resolution, high-speed reflective

phase modulation with individually addressable pixels. This phase control is

OVER VIEW

Reflective 2D Phase Only Spatial Light Modulators (SLMs)

400 - 850 nm, 650 - 1100 nm, or 1550 nm Operating Wavelengths

Available Resolutions: 1920 x 1080 or 1920 x 1200

Highly Stable Phase Control with Minimal Flickering

►

EXULUS-HD3HP

Removable SLM Head,

1920 x 1200 (WUXGA),

650 - 1100 nm

Image Generated by SLM Using Computer-

Generated Hologram Projection. For Details, See

EXULUS-HD1

1920 x 1080 (Full HD),

400 - 850 nm

EXULUS-HD1 - November 22, 2023

Item EXULUS-HD1 was discontinued on November 22, 2023. For informational purposes, this is a copy of

the website content at that time and is valid only for the stated product.

HD2, HD3, and HD4 models).

Video Insight: Calibrate a Spatial Light Modulator (SLM) for Phase Delay

Watch a demonstration of an interferometric method for calibrating the phase delay of reflective SLMs.

Key Specificationsa

Item #

Suffix

Operating

Wavelength

Panel

Resolution

Fill

Factor

Phase / Retardance

Rangeb

Frame

Rate

Output

Trigger

Liquid Cooling

Module

Separable SLM

Panel

HD1 400 - 850 nm 1920 x 1080

(Full HD) >93% 2π at 633 nm (Standard)

4.7π at 532 nm (Extended)

60 Hz or

180 HzcN/A - -

HD2 400 - 850 nm 1920 x 1200

(WUXGA) >92% π or 2π at 633 nmd60 Hz

Yes

(SMA)

- -

HD3 650 - 1100 nm 1920 x 1200

(WUXGA) >92% π or 2π at 1064 nmd60 Hz - -

HD4 1550 nm 1920 x 1200

(WUXGA) >92% π or 2π at 1550 nmd60 Hz - -

HD2HP 400 - 850 nm 1920 x 1200

(WUXGA) >92% π or 2π at 633 nmd,e 60 Hz

HD3HP 650 - 1100 nm 1920 x 1200

(WUXGA) >92% π or 2π at 1064 nmd,e 60 Hz

Complete specifications may be found on the Specs tab.

highly stable with minimal fluctuations and minimal crosstalk with adjacent

pixels. For maximum phase shift values, refer to the

table to the upper right. These spatial light modulators

provide far more pixels than lower-order phase

modulators such as segmented or deformable mirrors.

For applications requiring improved thermal stability

and high-power handling (≤200 W/cm) in the 400 nm to

850 nm or 650 nm to 1100 nm wavelength ranges, high-power SLMs are available.

Exulus spatial light modulators are driven by an input video signal and operate as a general Full HD or WUXGA. They are bundled with a software GUI that

provides complete control over the device. Different driving modes are supported by the software, including full frame, image input, video input, Fresnel lens,

diffraction, and computer-generated holography (CGH). The CGH mode also allows tilting and focusing effects to be overlaid onto a pattern. The GUI enables

quick switching between operating modes, as well as allowing images, videos, and patterns to be uploaded to the panel. For more details on the operating

modes, please see the Software and App Note tabs.

Standard Models

Each standard spatial light modulator (EXULUS-HD1, -HD2, -HD3, and -HD4) includes a built-in SLM panel with independent horizontal and vertical tilt

adjustment of ±3.2°. Locking rings are installed to fix the adjustment settings, as well as provide extra stability. Customized versions are also available with the

panel separated from the control unit; contact Tech Support for details.

These Exulus spatial light modulators have input ports compatible with HDMI* connectors and ship with two corresponding cables: one for connecting to an

HDMI-compatible output, and one for connecting to a DisplayPort*-compatible output. Also included are a mini-USB cable for connecting to a PC, a power supply

with a location-specific power cord and a HKTS-5/64 hex key thumbscrew for adjusting the horizontal and vertical tilt adjusters.

High-Power Models

Each high-power SLM (EXULUS-HD2HP and EXULUS-HD3HP) features a liquid-cooled SLM head and adapter board, which can be mounted directly on the

controller or positioned separately from the main housing. The SLM head includes two preinstalled 1/4" hoses with CPC®† valved quick-connect coupling inserts

for easy connection to a chiller, and the adapter board houses the FPC connectors and a circuit board that connects the controller and SLM head. We

recommend using Thorlabs' LK220 chiller (sold below) for full compatibility with the Thorlabs EXULUS software package.

These high-power spatial light modulators have input ports compatible with HDMI* connectors and ship with two corresponding cables: one for connecting to an

HDMI-compatible output, and one for connecting to a DisplayPort*-compatible output. A mini-USB cable is also included for connecting to a PC. To aid in

connecting to a liquid chiller, two CPC valved quick-connection fittings for both 4.3 mm (0.17") and 6.0 mm (0.24") inner diameter hoses are included with the

unit, as well a 2.5 mm stereo cable for thermistor compatibility. A power supply with a location-specific power cord, a USB drive with the software and manual,

and a BD-2M 2 mm balldriver for removing the adapter board and SLM head from the main unit are also shipped with these Exulus models.

*HDMI is a trademark or registered trademark of HDMI Licensing Administrator, Inc. DisplayPort is a trademark owned by the Video Electronics Standards

Association (VESA) in the United States and other countries. The use of such trademarks by Thorlabs does not constitute or imply any affiliation with or

endorsement or sponsorship by their respective trademark owners.

†CPC® is a registered trademark of Colder Products Company.

Angles of incidence other than 0° will result in phase shifts that differ from the programmed pattern. Angles of up to 10° are possible without significantly

affecting performance.

Frame Boost Mode (referred to as Triple Mode in the software) plays the R, G, and B channels of the video signal in succession, for an overall frame rate

of 180 Hz.

These retardance ranges are achievable by setting the phase stroke mode to half wave or full wave in the software.

HD2HP and HD3HP phase/retardance range values are for 30 °C when used with the LK220 liquid chiller.

Item # EXULUS-HD1(/M)

Panel Resolution 1920 x 1080 (Full HD)

Type Liquid Crystal on Silicon (LCoS) with Reflective Coating

Operating Wavelength 400 - 850 nm

Panel Active Area 12.5 mm x 7.1 mm

Pixel Pitch 6.4 µm

Fill Factor >93%

Reflective Coating Aluminum

Average Reflectance 75% (Typical)

Phase / Retardance Range 2π at 633 nm (Standard Mode); 4.7π at 532 nm (Extended Mode)

Angle of Incidencea0°

Optic Axis 45°

Reflected Wavefront Distortion <λ/7 @ 633 nm

Damage Threshold

CWb5 W/cm (532 nm, Ø0.0107 mm)

Pulsed (ns) 0.63 J/cm2 (532 nm, 8.6 ns, 10 Hz, Ø203 µm)

Pulsed (fs) 0.138 J/cm2 (535 nm, 59.4 fs, 100 Hz, Ø188 µm)

Frame Rate 60 Hz (Standard Mode); 180 Hz (Frame Boost/Triplec)

Fluctuation / Flickering (RMS)d<1% (Standard Mode); <5% (Extended Mode)

Beam Deviation Using Panel Tip / Tilt ±3.2°

Trigger OutputeNone

Trigger Output High Voltage Level N/A

Trigger Output Pulse Width N/A

Dimensions (L x W x H)f172.0 mm x 110.0 mm x 81.6 mm (6.77" x 4.33" x 3.21")

Weight 1.24 kg (2.73 lbs)

Storage Temperature 0 °C to 60 °C (32 °F to 140 °F)

Operating Temperatureg10 °C to 40 °C (50 °F to 104 °F)

PC Connection HDMI-Compatible Connector

USB 2.0 Connector

Bit Depth 8 Bit, 0 - 255 Gray Level

Other angles of incidence will result in phase shifts that differ from the programmed pattern. Angles of

up to 10° are possible without significantly affecting performance.

The power density of your beam should be calculated in terms of W/cm. For an explanation of why the

linear power density provides the best metric for long pulse and CW sources, please see the Damage

Thresholds tab.

Frame Boost Mode (referred to as Triple Mode in the software) plays the R,G, and B channels of the

video signal in succession, for an overall frame rate of 180 Hz.

Fluctuation / Flickering is the phase fluctuation as the percentage of the entire phase range and is

dependent on current phase setting. The value stated is the maximum fluctuation and typically occurs at

half of the phase range.

For more details on the external trigger output, please refer to the product manuals accessible through

the red Docs ( ) icons below.

The reported height dimension includes the maximum travel range of the adjuster knob.

SPECS

Ambient temperature fluctuations may cause the characteristics of your SLM to change. Using it at an

ambient temperature of 25 °C is recommended.

Item # EXULUS-HD2 EXULUS-HD3 EXULUS-HD4

Panel Resolution 1920 x 1200 (WUXGA)

Type Liquid Crystal on Silicon (LCoS) with Reflective Coating

Operating Wavelength 400 - 850 nm 650 - 1100 nm 1550 nm

Panel Active Area 15.42 mm x 9.66 mm

Pixel Pitch 8 µm

Fill Factor >92%

Reflective Coating Aluminum Dielectric

Average Reflectance 80% (Typical) 82% (Typical)

Phase / Retardance Range 2π at 633 nm (Full Wave Mode)

π at 633 nm (Half Wave Mode)

2π at 1064 nm (Full Wave Mode)

π at 1064 nm (Half Wave Mode)

2π at 1550 nm (Full Wave Mode)

π at 1550 nm (Half Wave Mode)

Angle of Incidencea0°

Optic Axis 0°

Reflected Wavefront Distortion <λ/2 @ 633 nm <0.4λ @ 633 nm

Damage Threshold

Pulsed (ns) 0.22 J/cm2

(532 nm, 6.8 ns, 10 Hz, Ø200.5 µm)

0.15 J/cm2

(1064 nm, 10 ns, 100 Hz, Ø235 µm)

0.187 J/cm2

(1550 nm, 6.0 ns, 10 Hz, Ø230.6 µm)

Pulsed (fs) 0.0935 J/cm2

(515 nm, 203.3 fs, 100 Hz, Ø108.2 µm)

0.03 J/cm2

(1030 nm, 200 fs, 100 Hz, Ø135 µm)

0.076 J/cm2

(1550 nm, 55.6 fs, 100 Hz, Ø143.1 µm)

Frame Rate 60 Hz

Fluctuation / Flickering (RMS)b<0.01% <0.05% <0.15%

Beam Deviation Using Panel Tip / Tilt ±3.2°

Trigger OutputcSMA Female

Trigger Output High Voltage Level 5 V (TTL)

Trigger Output Pulse Width 54 µs

Dimensions (L x W x H)d155.9 mm x 104.3 mm x 42.0 mm (6.14" x 4.11" x 1.65")

Weight 0.76 kg (1.68 lbs)

Storage Temperature 0 °C to 60 °C (32 °F to 140 °F)

Operating Temperaturee10 °C to 40 °C (50 °F to 104 °F)

PC Connection HDMI-Compatible Connector

USB 2.0 Connector

Bit Depth 8 Bit, 0 - 255 Gray Level

Other angles of incidence will result in phase shifts that differ from the programmed pattern. Angles of up to 10° are possible without significantly

affecting performance.

Fluctuation / Flickering is the phase fluctuation as the percentage of the entire phase range and is dependent on current phase setting. The value stated

is the maximum fluctuation and typically occurs at half of the phase range.

For more details on the external trigger output, please refer to the product manuals accessible through the red Docs ( ) icons below.

The reported length dimension includes the maximum travel range of the adjuster knob. The specified height does not include the dust cover; when

included, this dimension is nominally 46 mm.

Ambient temperature fluctuations may cause the characteristics of your SLM to change. Using it at an ambient temperature of 25 °C is recommended.

Item # EXULUS-HD2HP EXULUS-HD3HP

Panel Resolution 1920 x 1200 (WUXGA)

Type Liquid Crystal on Silicon (LCoS) with Reflective Coating

Operating Wavelength 400 - 850 nm 650 - 1100 nm

Panel Active Area 15.42 mm x 9.66 mm

Pixel Pitch 8 µm

Fill Factor >92%

Reflective Coating Aluminum

Average Reflectance 80% (Typical)

Phase / Retardance Rangea2π at 633 nm (Full Wave Mode)

π at 633 nm (Half Wave Mode)

2π at 1064 nm (Full Wave Mode)

π at 1064 nm (Half Wave Mode)

Angle of Incidenceb0°

Optic Axis 0°

Reflected Wavefront Distortion <λ/2 @ 633 nm <0.4λ @ 633 nm

Frame Rate 60 Hz

Optical Power Handlingc≤200 W/cm

Damage Threshold

Pulsed (ns) 0.22 J/cm2

(532 nm, 6.8 ns, 10 Hz, Ø200.5 µm)

0.15 J/cm2

(1064 nm, 10 ns, 100 Hz, Ø235

µm)

Pulsed (fs)

0.0935 J/cm2

(515 nm, 203.3 ns, 100 Hz, Ø108.2

µm)

0.03 J/cm2

(1030 nm, 200 fs, 100 Hz, Ø135

µm)

Fluctuation / Flickering (RMS)d<0.01% <0.15%

Beam Deviation Using Panel Tip /

Tilt N/A

Trigger OutputeSMA Female

Trigger Output High Voltage

Level 5 V (TTL)

Trigger Output Pulse Width 54 µs

Connector Type (for Tubing) CPC® Valved Thumb Latch Quick-Disconnect Fitting

Tubing Dimensions 0.17" (4.3 mm) Inner Diameter (Pre-Installed)

0.24" (6 mm) Inner Diameter (Optional)

Dimensions (L x W x H)

220.0 mm x 104.0 mm x 68.0 mm (8.66" x 4.09" x 2.68") All-in-One Mode

420.0 mm x 104.0 mm x 42.0 mm (16.54" x 4.09" x 1.65") Separate-

Panel Mode

Weight 0.7 kg (1.54 lbs)

Storage Temperature 0 °C to 60 °C (32 °F to 140 °F)

Operating Temperaturee10 °C to 40 °C (50 °F to 104 °F)

PC Connection HDMI-Compatible Connector

USB 2.0 Connector

Bit Depth 8 Bit, 0 - 255 Gray Level

SLM Head Thermistor

Type VISHAY NTC LE413 (R0 = 10 kΩ @ T0 = 25 °C, B = 3435 K)

Accuracy ±0.5 °C (@ 25 °C)

Phase/retardance range values are for 30 °C when used with the LK220 liquid chiller.

Other angles of incidence will result in phase shifts that differ from the programmed pattern. Angles of

up to 10° are possible without significantly affecting performance.

Specification with the LK220 Liquid Chiller

Fluctuation / Flickering is the phase fluctuation as the percentage of the entire phase range and is

dependent on current phase setting. The value stated is the maximum fluctuation and typically occurs at

half of the phase range.

For more details on the external trigger output, please refer to the product manuals accessible through

the red Docs ( ) icons below.

Ambient temperature fluctuations may cause the characteristics of your SLM to change. Using it at an

ambient temperature of 25 °C is recommended.

Diffraction Efficiency

DIFFRACTION EFFICIENCY

Phase Patterns Used to Measure Diffraction Efficiency

Click to Enlarge Click to Enlarge

When a repeating, linear phase pattern is displayed on the SLM, it will function similarly to a blazed diffraction grating. The diffraction efficiency is the power in

the first-order of the diffraction pattern divided by the zero-order when the phase of the SLM is set to zero across the panel. These measurements were made at

633 nm, 1064 nm, or 1550 nm for several test patterns with varying phase steps, effectively creating gratings with varying line spacing (denoted as line pair

/ mm). The measured results and patterns used are plotted below.

Click to Enlarge

Frame Tab in Standard Frame Rate Mode:

Setting a specific gray level from 0 to 255 will set

the entire panel to a certain phase level.

"Spatial Light Modulator" Software Package for EXULUS-HD1

Each Exulus® SLM comes with a software interface that provides complete control of the SLM panel as well as

device settings. Users can input a specific phase level (gray level) over the entire panel, import a custom image,

produce a computer generated holography (CGH) pattern, and other patterns such as Fresnel lenses and

diffraction gratings. All the patterns can be saved into a sequence list and played with a predefined interval of

16.7 ms (60 Hz frame rate, EXULUS-HD1, EXULUS-HD2, EXULUS-HD3, EXULUS-HD4, EXULUS-HD2HP, and

EXULUS-HD3HP). The EXULUS-HD1 also features a triple mode; if RGB images are used then the RGB channels

will be played in succession for an overall frame rate of 180 Hz. The software also supports video input at 1080p or

4K resolution with the H.264 video codec (supported file formats: MP4, M4V, and MOV).

Note: There are two separate software packages for our Exulus spatial light modulators:

The "Spatial Light Modulator" software package is designed for use with our EXULUS-HD1.

The "Thorlabs EXULUS" software package is designed for use with our EXULUS-HD2, EXULUS-HD3,

EXULUS-HD4, EXULUS-HD2HP, and EXULUS-HD3HP SLMs.

Click the yellow bars below for screenshots highlighting various software features and capabilities:

SOFTWARE

Software

"Spatial Light Modulator" Software

Version 1.0.12

This software package is designed for use

with our EXULUS-HD1 SLMs.

"Thorlabs EXULUS" Software Version

2.5.1

This software package is designed for use

with our EXULUS-HD2, EXULUS-HD3,

EXULUS-HD4, EXULUS-HD2HP, and

EXULUS-HD3HP SLMs.

Click the button below to visit the software

page.

Click to Enlarge

Frame Tab in Triple Frame Rate Mode (EXULUS-HD1):

Each of three successive frames (at 180 fps) can have a

different gray level.

Click to Enlarge

File Tab: Upload a user-defined pattern in PNG,

JPEG, or BMP format.

Click to Enlarge

CGH Tab: Convert a user-defined image into a

holographic pattern. For more details, please see

the

App Note

tab.

Click to Enlarge

Pattern Tab for Fresnel Lens Generation: Sets

the SLM panel to focus the reflected light at a

user-selected wavelength and focal length.

Click to Enlarge

Pattern Tab for Diffraction Grating Generation:

Sets the SLM panel to diffract the reflected light with

user-selected wavelength, deviation angle, and

grating rotation angle. For more infromation about

the diffraction efficiency of different patterns, please

see the

Specs

tab.

Click to Enlarge

Video Tab: User-uploaded video can be played on

the SLM panel. In standard mode, grayscale video

can be played at a 60 Hz (EXULUS-HD1, EXULUS-

HD2, and EXULUS-HD4) frame rate. In triple mode

(EXULUS-HD1 only), a color video will play the R,

G, B channels in succession at a 180 Hz frame

rate.

Click to Enlarge

Frame Tab in Standard Frame Rate Mode:

Click to Enlarge

File Tab: Upload a user-defined pattern in PNG,

"Thorlabs EXULUS" Software Package for EXULUS-HD2, EXULUS-HD3, EXULUS-HD4,

EXULUS-HD2HP, and EXULUS-HD3HP

Setting a specific gray level from 0 to 255 will set

the entire panel to a certain phase level.

JPEG, or BMP format.

Click to Enlarge

CGH Tab: Convert a user-defined image into a

holographic pattern. For more details, please see

the

App Note

tab.

Click to Enlarge

Pattern Tab for Fresnel Lens Generation: Sets

the SLM panel to focus the reflected light at a

user-selected wavelength and focal length.

Click to Enlarge

Pattern Tab for Diffraction Grating Generation:

Sets the SLM panel to diffract the reflected light with

user-selected wavelength, deviation angle, and

grating rotation angle. For more infromation about

the diffraction efficiency of different patterns, please

see the

Diffraction Efficiency

tab.

Click to Enlarge

Pattern Tab for Vortex Generation: This

pattern creates a helical output beam and contains

a characteristic donut beam profile. The mode

contains two parameters: wavelength and pattern

order m.

Click to Enlarge

Pattern Tab for Cubic Phase Generation: This

pattern generates a non-diffracted beam with self-

recovery characteristics, commonly called an airy

beam. The mode contains two parameters:

wavelength and alpha.

Click to Enlarge

Sensor Setting: When a high-power SLM is

connected to the LK220 chiller, the temperature

sensor can be set to internal or external mode. The

internal sensor measures the output coolant

temperature, while the external sensor gives the

thermistor temperature reading from the LK220

chiller.

Polarization Dependence of Phase-Only Spatial Light

Modulators (SLMs)

The optical working principles of liquid crystal on silicon SLMs that

provide phase-modulated output beams are illustrated.

Click to Enlarge

Figure 1: A schematic diagram of the SLM LCoS

panel.

Overview

Two-

dimensional

spatial light

modulators

(SLMs) offer

individually

addressable

pixels of phase

shift. Thorlabs' Exulus® 2D SLM is fabricated with liquid crystal on silicon (LCoS) technology, which is based on display technology. This allows it to provide far

more pixels than lower-order phase modulators such as segmented or deformable mirrors. Also, the phase shift of one pixel has little crosstalk with other pixels.

Therefore, the Exulus 2D SLM is perfect for many beam manipulation applications including optical trapping, beam steering and shaping, femtosecond pulse

shaping, adaptive optics, imaging applications, and holography.

APP NOTE

Click to Enlarge

Figure 2: Setup for CGH using the EXULUS-HD1 SLM. In this case, the

focusing effect added to the CGH is set to a 100 000 mm focal length.

[APPLIST] [APPLIST]

These product lists do not include the optical breadboard, laptop, or

screws used to mount the post holders to the breadboard.

Click to Enlarge

Figure 4: CGH projection of an image using the setup

shown in Figure 2 and the image shown in Figure 3.

The central bright spot is a zero-order diffraction spot

due to the gaps between the SLM pixels.

Click for Full-Resolution Example Image

Click to Enlarge

Figure 3: a. The image used to generate the holographic projection.

b. The corresponding CGH pattern generated by the Exulus software.

The main component of the Exulus® is the 2D SLM LCoS panel. Figure 1 shows a basic schematic of the LCoS panel. The liquid crystal layer is sandwiched

between the top transparent and conductive ITO electrode, and the reflective electrode on the bottom. Each pixel on the SLM panel corresponds to individually

addressable electrodes on the bottom. Together with the ITO layer on top, an electric field is built up by applying a voltage between the two electrodes. The liquid

crystal modules line up according to the direction and strength of the electric field. Since liquid crystal is a birefringent material, the alignment of the liquid crystal

molecules in turn controls the retardance or phase shift of each pixel. A wavefront that is incident on the panel reflects with its phase or wavefront being shifted

according to the signal that is sent to the SLM panel. With a properly calculated pattern on the SLM panel, the reflected wavefront results in different optical

effects in the far field. These effects typically include diffraction, tilt, focus, and holographic image formation.

Holographic Projection

We show here a holographic projection as one of the applications of the Exulus SLM.

Figure 2 shows a typical setup required to realize a 2D holographic projection using the

EXULUS-HD1. A collimated laser beam is incident on the SLM panel; best results for

holographic projection are obtained using a beam size just smaller than Ø7 mm. The

incident beam passes through a polarizer and a half-wave plate such that it is polarized

at 45°, the direction of the optical axis of the panel. The target projection image is first

converted into a computer generated holography (CGH) pattern that is calculated by

the bundled software (accessed through the CGH tab in the software). The output

beam is separated from the incident beam with a beam splitter. Within the SLM

software, a focusing effect is added to the CGH pattern; if you do not desire to have

the SLM provide focusing, set the focal length to an extremely long value. In this

example, we have set the focal length to 100 000 mm (at the laser wavelength of 635 nm), checked the "Invert Image" box to set the image outline to be bright in

the projected pattern, and set the position to "Fit" so that the entire image is visible on the preview. Since CGH relies on far-field diffraction, a set of imaging

lenses is required to produce a sharp holographic image on a screen (in this example, first lens: f = 50 mm, second lens: f = 75 mm). Figure 3 shows the

holographic image to be projected and the corresponding CGH pattern, which is calculated using the bundled software. The resulting holographic projection is

shown in Figure 4.

c. The CGH settings tab in the Exulus software.

Click to Enlarge

Figure 6: Setup used for removing the focused zero-

order spot from the CGH projection. Note that the

lenses are in different locations than in Figure 2.

Effects of Focusing and Tilt

Due to the fill factor of the SLM panel, there is a small gap between the pixels. This in turn causes higher diffraction orders and a high-energy zero-order spot

which is unaffected by the SLM, but inherently exists at the output. The center bright spot often overlaps with the holographic projection on the same image

plane, as is visible in Figure 4. It is highly preferable to remove this zero-order-spot in many applications.

In order to further enhance the holographic image, one can adjust the focusing effect added to the CGH pattern. This causes the CGH projection to focus itself

without the requirement of imaging lenses. Since the zero-order spot is not affected by the focusing parameter, the CGH projection will form an image while the

zero-order spot remains collimated at the original beam size. Figure 5 shows the focusing effect that is added to the CGH as well as the final processed CGH

pattern sent to the SLM panel; in this example, the focal length was changed to 100 mm in the software; the other software settings remained unchanged.

Figure 5: a. The 100 mm Fresnel lens focusing effect added to the CGH pattern. b. The resultant CGH pattern of the image in Figure 3 a, including

the 100 mm focus, generated by the EXULUS software.

If the imaging lenses used in the first example above are inserted into the beam path again, then the

center bright spot can be made to diverge while the holographic projection is refocused. This can be

accomplished by following these steps:

1. Generate a CGH pattern using a short focal length setting (here, we use 100 mm; other settings

remained unchanged from the first example).

2. Find the location where the CGH pattern is in focus, which should be at the distance set in the

SLM software (100 mm).

3. Put the first lens a short distance after this focused spot (here, we used an f = 50 mm lens).

4. Fix the location of the viewing screen at the desired location, and then insert the second lens into the beam path (here, we used an f = 75 mm lens).

Adjust the position of this lens until an image begins to form on the screen.

5. Once the image of the CGH projection is found, make small adjustments to the position of both lenses to optimize the size and clarity of the image.

The experimental setup is shown in Figure 6; note the lenses are in different positions than they are in Figure 2. The resulting holographic projection is shown in

Figure 7.

Additionally, the Exulus software allows an X and/or Y tilt to be added to the CGH pattern; this can be used to displace the CGH projection from the central zero-

order spot.

Click to Enlarge

Figure 8: An optical tweezers system incorporating

an EXULUS-HD1 SLM.

Video showing trapped particles moving due to the changing SLM pattern.

Click to Enlarge

Figure 7: CGH projection of the CGH pattern shown in Figure 5 and the setup shown in Figure 6.

Optical Tweezers Application

In optical tweezers systems, an SLM can be used to generate several focused spots at different locations in the sample volume. By using the video or sequence

features in the Exulus software package, a moving pattern of focal points can be generated to move trapped particles within a sample volume. In the video to the

lower right, several trapped beads are moved continuously in a circle. The tweezers system incorporating the EXULUS-HD1 is shown in Figure 8.

Damage Threshold Specifications

Item # Type Damage Threshold

EXULUS-HD1

CWa5 W/cm (532 nm, Ø0.0107 mm)

Pulsed

(ns) 0.63 J/cm2 (532 nm, 8.6 ns, 10 Hz, Ø203 µm)

Pulsed

(fs) 0.138 J/cm2 (535 nm, 59.4 fs, 100 Hz, Ø188 µm)

EXULUS-HD2

EXULUS-

HD2HP

Pulsed

(ns) 0.22 J/cm2 (532 nm, 6.8 ns, 10 Hz, Ø200.5 µm)

Pulsed

(fs)

0.0935 J/cm2 (515 nm, 203.3 fs, 100 Hz, Ø108.2

µm)

EXULUS-HD3

EXULUS-

Pulsed

(ns) 0.15 J/cm2 (1064 nm, 10 ns, 100 Hz, Ø235 µm)

Damage Threshold Data for Thorlabs' Exulus Spatial Light

Modulators

The damage threshold provided in the table to the right are measured data for

Thorlabs' family of Exulus® Spatial Light Modulators.

DAMAGE THRESHOLDS

HD3HP

Pulsed

(fs) 0.03 J/cm2 (1030 nm, 200 fs, 100 Hz, Ø135 µm)

EXULUS-HD4

Pulsed

(ns)

0.187 J/cm2 (1550 nm, 6.0 ns, 10 Hz, Ø230.6

µm)

Pulsed

(fs)

0.076 J/cm2 (1550 nm, 55.6 fs, 100 Hz, Ø143.1

µm)

The power density of your beam should be calculated in terms of W/cm.

For an explanation of why the linear power density provides the best

metric for long pulse and CW sources, please see the "Continuous

Wave and Long-Pulse Lasers" section below.

The photograph above is a protected aluminum-

coated mirror after LIDT testing. In this particular

test, it handled 0.43 J/cm2 (1064 nm, 10 ns pulse, 10

Hz, Ø1.000 mm) before damage.

Example Test Data

Fluence

# of Tested

Locations

Locations with

Damage

Locations Without

Damage

1.50 J/cm210 0 10

1.75 J/cm210 0 10

2.00 J/cm210 0 10

2.25 J/cm210 1 9

3.00 J/cm210 1 9

5.00 J/cm210 9 1

Laser Induced Damage Threshold Tutorial

The following is a general overview of how laser induced damage thresholds are measured and how the values may be utilized in determining the

appropriateness of an optic for a given application. When choosing optics, it is important to understand the Laser Induced Damage Threshold (LIDT) of the optics

being used. The LIDT for an optic greatly depends on the type of laser you are using. Continuous wave (CW) lasers typically cause damage from thermal effects

(absorption either in the coating or in the substrate). Pulsed lasers, on the other hand, often strip electrons from the lattice structure of an optic before causing

thermal damage. Note that the guideline presented here assumes room temperature operation and optics in new condition (i.e., within scratch-dig spec, surface

free of contamination, etc.). Because dust or other particles on the surface of an optic can cause damage at lower thresholds, we recommend keeping surfaces

clean and free of debris. For more information on cleaning optics, please see our Optics Cleaning tutorial.

Testing Method

Thorlabs' LIDT testing is done in compliance with ISO/DIS 11254 and ISO 21254 specifications.

First, a low-power/energy beam is directed to the optic under test. The optic is exposed in 10 locations to this laser beam for 30 seconds (CW) or for a number of

pulses (pulse repetition frequency specified). After exposure, the optic is examined by a microscope (~100X magnification) for any visible damage. The number

of locations that are damaged at a particular power/energy level is recorded. Next, the power/energy is either increased or decreased and the optic is exposed at

10 new locations. This process is repeated until damage is observed. The damage threshold is then assigned to be the highest power/energy that the optic can

withstand without causing damage. A histogram such as that below represents the testing of one BB1-E02 mirror.

According to the test, the damage threshold of the mirror was 2.00 J/cm2 (532 nm,

10 ns pulse, 10 Hz, Ø0.803 mm). Please keep in mind that these tests are

performed on clean optics, as dirt and contamination can significantly lower the

damage threshold of a component. While the test results are only representative of

one coating run, Thorlabs specifies damage threshold values that account for

coating variances.

Continuous Wave and Long-Pulse Lasers

When an optic is damaged by a continuous wave (CW) laser, it is usually due to

the melting of the surface as a result of absorbing the laser's energy or damage to

the optical coating (antireflection) [1]. Pulsed lasers with pulse lengths longer than 1 µs can be treated as CW lasers for LIDT discussions.

When pulse lengths are between 1 ns and 1 µs, laser-induced damage can occur either because of absorption or a dielectric breakdown (therefore, a user must

LIDT in linear power density vs. pulse length and spot size. For long

pulses to CW, linear power density becomes a constant with spot size.

This graph was obtained from [1].

check both CW and pulsed LIDT). Absorption is either due to an intrinsic property of the optic or due to surface irregularities; thus LIDT values are only valid for

optics meeting or exceeding the surface quality specifications given by a manufacturer. While many optics can handle high power CW lasers, cemented (e.g.,

achromatic doublets) or highly absorptive (e.g., ND filters) optics tend to have lower CW damage thresholds. These lower thresholds are due to absorption or

scattering in the cement or metal coating.

Pulsed lasers with high pulse repetition frequencies (PRF) may behave similarly to CW

beams. Unfortunately, this is highly dependent on factors such as absorption and

thermal diffusivity, so there is no reliable method for determining when a high PRF

laser will damage an optic due to thermal effects. For beams with a high PRF both the

average and peak powers must be compared to the equivalent CW power.

Additionally, for highly transparent materials, there is little to no drop in the LIDT with

increasing PRF.

In order to use the specified CW damage threshold of an optic, it is necessary to know

the following:

1. Wavelength of your laser

2. Beam diameter of your beam (1/e2)

3. Approximate intensity profile of your beam (e.g., Gaussian)

4. Linear power density of your beam (total power divided by 1/e2 beam

diameter)

Thorlabs expresses LIDT for CW lasers as a linear power density measured in W/cm. In this

regime, the LIDT given as a linear power density can be applied to any beam diameter; one does

not need to compute an adjusted LIDT to adjust for changes in spot size, as demonstrated by the

graph to the right. Average linear power density can be calculated using the equation below.

The calculation above assumes a uniform beam intensity profile. You must now consider hotspots

in the beam or other non-uniform intensity profiles and roughly calculate a maximum power

density. For reference, a Gaussian beam typically has a maximum power density that is twice that of the uniform beam (see lower right).

Now compare the maximum power density to that which is specified as the LIDT for the optic. If the optic was tested at a wavelength other than your operating

wavelength, the damage threshold must be scaled appropriately. A good rule of thumb is that the damage threshold has a linear relationship with wavelength

such that as you move to shorter wavelengths, the damage threshold decreases (i.e., a LIDT of 10 W/cm at 1310 nm scales to 5 W/cm at 655 nm):

While this rule of thumb provides a general trend, it is not a quantitative analysis of LIDT vs wavelength. In CW applications, for instance, damage scales more

strongly with absorption in the coating and substrate, which does not necessarily scale well with wavelength. While the above procedure provides a good rule of

thumb for LIDT values, please contact Tech Support if your wavelength is different from the specified LIDT wavelength. If your power density is less than the

adjusted LIDT of the optic, then the optic should work for your application.

Please note that we have a buffer built in between the specified damage thresholds online and the tests which we have done, which accommodates variation

between batches. Upon request, we can provide individual test information and a testing certificate. The damage analysis will be carried out on a similar optic

(customer's optic will not be damaged). Testing may result in additional costs or lead times. Contact Tech Support for more information.

Pulsed Lasers

As previously stated, pulsed lasers typically induce a different type of damage to the optic than CW lasers. Pulsed lasers often do not heat the optic enough to

damage it; instead, pulsed lasers produce strong electric fields capable of inducing dielectric breakdown in the material. Unfortunately, it can be very difficult to

compare the LIDT specification of an optic to your laser. There are multiple regimes in which a pulsed laser can damage an optic and this is based on the laser's

pulse length. The highlighted columns in the table below outline the relevant pulse lengths for our specified LIDT values.

Pulses shorter than 10-9 s cannot be compared to our specified LIDT values with much reliability. In this ultra-short-pulse regime various mechanics, such as

multiphoton-avalanche ionization, take over as the predominate damage mechanism [2]. In contrast, pulses between 10-7 s and 10-4 s may cause damage to an

LIDT in energy density vs. pulse length and spot size. For short pulses,

energy density becomes a constant with spot size. This graph was

obtained from [1].

optic either because of dielectric breakdown or thermal effects. This means that both CW and pulsed damage thresholds must be compared to the laser beam to

determine whether the optic is suitable for your application.

Pulse Duration t < 10-9 s 10-9 < t < 10-7 s 10-7 < t < 10-4 s t > 10-4 s

Damage Mechanism Avalanche Ionization Dielectric Breakdown Dielectric Breakdown or

Thermal Thermal

Relevant Damage

Specification No Comparison (See Above) Pulsed Pulsed and CW CW

When comparing an LIDT specified for a pulsed laser to your laser, it is essential to know the following:

1. Wavelength of your laser

2. Energy density of your beam (total energy divided by 1/e2 area)

3. Pulse length of your laser

4. Pulse repetition frequency (prf) of your laser

5. Beam diameter of your laser (1/e2 )

6. Approximate intensity profile of your beam (e.g., Gaussian)

The energy density of your beam should be calculated in terms of J/cm2. The graph to

the right shows why expressing the LIDT as an energy density provides the best metric

for short pulse sources. In this regime, the LIDT given as an energy density can be

applied to any beam diameter; one does not need to compute an adjusted LIDT to

adjust for changes in spot size. This calculation assumes a uniform beam intensity

profile. You must now adjust this energy density to account for hotspots or other

nonuniform intensity profiles and roughly calculate a maximum energy density. For

reference a Gaussian beam typically has a maximum energy density that is twice that

of the 1/e2 beam.

Now compare the maximum energy density to that which is specified as the LIDT for

the optic. If the optic was tested at a wavelength other than your operating wavelength,

the damage threshold must be scaled appropriately [3]. A good rule of thumb is that the damage threshold has an inverse square root relationship with

wavelength such that as you move to shorter wavelengths, the damage threshold decreases (i.e., a LIDT of 1 J/cm2 at 1064 nm scales to 0.7 J/cm2 at 532 nm):

You now have a wavelength-adjusted energy density, which you will use in the following step.

Beam diameter is also important to know when comparing damage thresholds. While the LIDT, when expressed in units of J/cm², scales independently of spot

size; large beam sizes are more likely to illuminate a larger number of defects which can lead to greater variances in the LIDT [4]. For data presented here, a <1

mm beam size was used to measure the LIDT. For beams sizes greater than 5 mm, the LIDT (J/cm2) will not scale independently of beam diameter due to the

larger size beam exposing more defects.

The pulse length must now be compensated for. The longer the pulse duration, the more energy the optic can handle. For pulse widths between 1 - 100 ns, an

approximation is as follows:

Use this formula to calculate the Adjusted LIDT for an optic based on your pulse length. If your maximum energy density is less than this adjusted LIDT

maximum energy density, then the optic should be suitable for your application. Keep in mind that this calculation is only used for pulses between 10-9 s and 10-7

s. For pulses between 10-7 s and 10-4 s, the CW LIDT must also be checked before deeming the optic appropriate for your application.

Please note that we have a buffer built in between the specified damage thresholds online and the tests which we have done, which accommodates variation

between batches. Upon request, we can provide individual test information and a testing certificate. Contact Tech Support for more information.

[1] R. M. Wood, Optics and Laser Tech. 29, 517 (1998).

[2] Roger M. Wood, Laser-Induced Damage of Optical Materials (Institute of Physics Publishing, Philadelphia, PA, 2003).

[3] C. W. Carr et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 91, 127402 (2003).

[4] N. Bloembergen, Appl. Opt. 12, 661 (1973).

A Gaussian beam profile has about twice the maximum

intensity of a uniform beam profile.

Suppose that a CW laser system at 1319 nm produces a 0.5 W Gaussian beam that has a 1/e2

diameter of 10 mm. A naive calculation of the average linear power density of this beam would

yield a value of 0.5 W/cm, given by the total power divided by the beam diameter:

However, the maximum power density of a Gaussian beam is about twice the maximum power

density of a uniform beam, as shown in the graph to the right. Therefore, a more accurate

determination of the maximum linear power density of the system is 1 W/cm.

An AC127-030-C achromatic doublet lens has a specified CW LIDT of 350 W/cm, as tested at 1550 nm. CW damage threshold values typically scale directly with

the wavelength of the laser source, so this yields an adjusted LIDT value:

The adjusted LIDT value of 350 W/cm x (1319 nm / 1550 nm) = 298 W/cm is significantly higher than the calculated maximum linear power density of the laser

system, so it would be safe to use this doublet lens for this application.

Pulsed Nanosecond Laser Example: Scaling for Different Pulse Durations

Suppose that a pulsed Nd:YAG laser system is frequency tripled to produce a 10 Hz output, consisting of 2 ns output pulses at 355 nm, each with 1 J of energy,

in a Gaussian beam with a 1.9 cm beam diameter (1/e2). The average energy density of each pulse is found by dividing the pulse energy by the beam area:

As described above, the maximum energy density of a Gaussian beam is about twice the average energy density. So, the maximum energy density of this beam

is ~0.7 J/cm2.

The energy density of the beam can be compared to the LIDT values of 1 J/cm2 and 3.5 J/cm2 for a BB1-E01 broadband dielectric mirror and an NB1-

K08 Nd:YAG laser line mirror, respectively. Both of these LIDT values, while measured at 355 nm, were determined with a 10 ns pulsed laser at 10 Hz.

Therefore, an adjustment must be applied for the shorter pulse duration of the system under consideration. As described on the previous tab, LIDT values in the

nanosecond pulse regime scale with the square root of the laser pulse duration:

LIDT CALCULATIONS

In order to illustrate the process of determining whether a given laser system will damage an optic, a number of

example calculations of laser induced damage threshold are given below. For assistance with performing similar

calculations, we provide a spreadsheet calculator that can be downloaded by clicking the button to the right. To use the

calculator, enter the specified LIDT value of the optic under consideration and the relevant parameters of your laser

system in the green boxes. The spreadsheet will then calculate a linear power density for CW and pulsed systems, as well as an energy density value for pulsed

systems. These values are used to calculate adjusted, scaled LIDT values for the optics based on accepted scaling laws. This calculator assumes a

Gaussian beam profile, so a correction factor must be introduced for other beam shapes (uniform, etc.). The LIDT scaling laws are determined from empirical

relationships; their accuracy is not guaranteed. Remember that absorption by optics or coatings can significantly reduce LIDT in some spectral regions. These

LIDT values are not valid for ultrashort pulses less than one nanosecond in duration.

CW Laser Example

Click to Enlarge

The back panel of the EXULUS-

HD1(/M) provides HDMI-

compatible and USB 2.0 ports for

connecting the SLM to a PC, a

power supply input, and an on/off

switch.

Key Specificationsa

Item # Operating

Wavelength

Panel

Resolution

Fill Factor Panel Active Area Pixel

Pitch

Phase / Retardance

Frame Rate Fluctuation/

Flickering (RMS)

Output

Trigger

Exulus Spatial Light Modulator with Full HD Resolution

Liquid Crystal on Silicon (LCoS) with Aluminum Coating for 400 - 850 nm

1920 x 1080 (Full HD) Resolution

HDMI*-Compatible and USB 2.0 Input Connectors

Optic Axis: 45°

Housing Dimensions: 172.0 mm x 110.0 mm x 81.6 mm

The EXULUS-HD1(/M) Spatial Light Modulator has a 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) LCoS panel with an

aluminum reflective coating for operation over the 400 - 850 nm wavelength range. It also features four operation modes

including extended phase shift range and a high frame rate mode (up to 180 Hz). The bottom and two sides of the housing each

offer two 8-32 (M4) tapped holes for post mounting. The front panel includes four 4-40 taps for 30 mm cage system

compatibility; we do not recommend connecting this spatial light modulator to a cage system for applications that require precise

alignment.

*HDMI is a trademark or registered trademark of HDMI Licensing Administrator, Inc. The use of such trademark by Thorlabs does not constitute or imply any affiliation

with or endorsement or sponsorship by such trademark owner.

This adjustment factor results in LIDT values of 0.45 J/cm2 for the BB1-E01 broadband mirror and 1.6 J/cm2 for the Nd:YAG laser line mirror, which are to be

compared with the 0.7 J/cm2 maximum energy density of the beam. While the broadband mirror would likely be damaged by the laser, the more specialized laser

line mirror is appropriate for use with this system.

Pulsed Nanosecond Laser Example: Scaling for Different Wavelengths

Suppose that a pulsed laser system emits 10 ns pulses at 2.5 Hz, each with 100 mJ of energy at 1064 nm in a 16 mm diameter beam (1/e2) that must be

attenuated with a neutral density filter. For a Gaussian output, these specifications result in a maximum energy density of 0.1 J/cm2. The damage threshold of an

NDUV10A Ø25 mm, OD 1.0, reflective neutral density filter is 0.05 J/cm2 for 10 ns pulses at 355 nm, while the damage threshold of the similar NE10A absorptive

filter is 10 J/cm2 for 10 ns pulses at 532 nm. As described on the previous tab, the LIDT value of an optic scales with the square root of the wavelength in the

nanosecond pulse regime:

This scaling gives adjusted LIDT values of 0.08 J/cm2 for the reflective filter and 14 J/cm2 for the absorptive filter. In this case, the absorptive filter is the best

choice in order to avoid optical damage.

Pulsed Microsecond Laser Example

Consider a laser system that produces 1 µs pulses, each containing 150 µJ of energy at a repetition rate of 50 kHz, resulting in a relatively high duty cycle of 5%.

This system falls somewhere between the regimes of CW and pulsed laser induced damage, and could potentially damage an optic by mechanisms associated

with either regime. As a result, both CW and pulsed LIDT values must be compared to the properties of the laser system to ensure safe operation.

If this relatively long-pulse laser emits a Gaussian 12.7 mm diameter beam (1/e2) at 980 nm, then the resulting output has a linear power density of 5.9 W/cm

and an energy density of 1.2 x 10-4 J/cm2 per pulse. This can be compared to the LIDT values for a WPQ10E-980 polymer zero-order quarter-wave plate, which

are 5 W/cm for CW radiation at 810 nm and 5 J/cm2 for a 10 ns pulse at 810 nm. As before, the CW LIDT of the optic scales linearly with the laser wavelength,

resulting in an adjusted CW value of 6 W/cm at 980 nm. On the other hand, the pulsed LIDT scales with the square root of the laser wavelength and the square

root of the pulse duration, resulting in an adjusted value of 55 J/cm2 for a 1 µs pulse at 980 nm. The pulsed LIDT of the optic is significantly greater than the

energy density of the laser pulse, so individual pulses will not damage the wave plate. However, the large average linear power density of the laser system may

cause thermal damage to the optic, much like a high-power CW beam.

Range

EXULUS-

HD1(/M)

400 -

850 nm

1920 x 1080

(Full HD) >93% 12.5 mm x 7.1 mm 6.4 µm 2π at 633 nm (Std.)

4.7π at 532 nm (Ext.)

60 Hz (Standard) or

180 Hz (Frame Boostc)

<1% (Standard)

<5% (Extended) N/A

Complete specifications may be found on the Specs tab.

Angles of incidence other than 0° will result in phase shifts that differ from the programmed pattern. Angles of up to 10° are possible without significantly

affecting performance.

Frame Boost Mode (referred to as Triple Mode in the software) plays the R, G, and B channels of the video signal in succession, for an overall frame rate of

180 Hz.

Click to Enlarge

The top panels of the EXULUS-HD2,

EXULUS-HD3 (shown), and EXULUS-HD4

provide HDMI-compatible and USB 2.0

ports for connecting the SLM to a PC, SMA

trigger output, power supply input, and an

on/off switch.

Key Specificationsa

Item # Operating

Wavelength

Panel

Resolution Fill Factor Panel Active Area Pixel Pitch Phase / Retardance

RangebFrame Rate Fluctuation/

Flickering (RMS)c

Output

Trigger

EXULUS-HD2 400 - 850 nm

1920 x 1200

(WUXGA) >92% 15.42 mm x 9.66 mm 8 µm

2π at 633 nm

60 Hz

<0.01%

Yes

(SMA)

EXULUS-HD3 650 - 1100 nm 2π at 1064 nm <0.05%

EXULUS-HD4 1550 nm 2π at 1550 nm <0.15%

Complete specifications may be found on the Specs tab.

Angles of incidence other than 0° will result in phase shifts that differ from the programmed pattern. Angles of up to 10° are possible without significantly

affecting performance.

Fluctuation / Flickering is the phase fluctuation as the percentage of the entire phase range and is dependent on the current phase setting. The value stated is

the maximum fluctuation and typically occurs at half of the phase range.

Part Number Description Price Availability

EXULUS-HD1/M Spatial Light Modulator, 1920 x 1080, 400 - 850 nm, M4 Taps $17,314.50 Lead Time

EXULUS-HD1 Spatial Light Modulator, 1920 x 1080, 400 - 850 nm, 8-32 Taps $17,314.50 Lead Time

Exulus Spatial Light Modulators with WUXGA Resolution

Liquid Crystal on Silicon (LCoS) with One of Two Coatings:

Aluminum Coating for 400 - 850 nm (EXULUS-HD2)

Aluminum Coating for 650 - 1100 nm (EXULUS-HD3)

Dielectric Coating for 1550 nm (EXULUS-HD4)

1920 x 1200 (WUXGA) Resolution

HDMI*-Compatible and USB 2.0 Input Connectors

SMA Trigger Output

Optic Axis: 0°

Housing Dimensions: 155.9 mm x 104.3 mm x 42.0 mm

The EXULUS-HD2, EXULUS-HD3, and EXULUS-HD4 Spatial Light Modulators (SLMs) are designed to operate at 400 - 850 nm, 650 - 1100 nm, and 1550 nm,

respectively. Each SLM has an LCoS panel with a resolution of 1920 x 1200 in a compact housing. They also feature high phase stability and SMA trigger outputs for

synchronized applications. Two sides of the housing each offer two universal mounting holes that accept both 8-32 and M4 threads; please note that these threads

are separated by 50 mm. The front panel includes four 4-40 taps for 30 mm cage system compatibility; we do not recommend connecting these spatial light

modulators to a cage system for applications that require precise alignment.

*HDMI is a trademark or registered trademark of HDMI Licensing Administrator, Inc. The use of such trademark by Thorlabs does not constitute or imply any affiliation

with or endorsement or sponsorship by such trademark owner.

Part Number Description Price Availability

EXULUS-HD2 Spatial Light Modulator, 1920 x 1200, 400 - 850 nm, Universal 8-32 / M4 Taps $13,302.45 Today

EXULUS-HD3 Customer Inspired! Spatial Light Modulator, 1920 x 1200, 650 - 1100 nm, Universal 8-32 / M4 Taps $16,143.75 Today

EXULUS-HD4 Customer Inspired! Spatial Light Modulator, 1920 x 1200, 1550 nm, Universal 8-32 / M4 Taps $18,845.14 Today

Click to Enlarge

The adapter board and SLM head

include 8-32

(M4 x 0.7) threads for mounting in the

separate-panel configuration. Mounting

the SLM head in a kinematic mirror

mount provides tip and tilt adjustments.

Click to Enlarge

The High-Power SLM housing

features two 8-32 (M4 x 0.7)

taps for mounting in the all-in-

one configuration.

Click to Enlarge

The LK220 liquid chiller can be easily

connected to a High-Power SLM using

the valved CPC quick-disconnect

fittings and a 2.5 mm stereo jack.

Key Specificationsa

Item # Operating

Wavelength

Panel

Resolution Fill Factor Panel Active Area Pixel Pitch Phase / Retardance

Rangeb,c Frame Rate Fluctuation/

Flickering (RMS)d

Output

Trigger

EXULUS-HD2HP 400 - 850 nm 1920 x 1200

(WUXGA) >92% 15.42 mm x 9.66 mm 8 µm 2π at 633 nm 60 Hz <0.01% Yes

(SMA)

EXULUS-HD3HP 650 - 1100 nm 2π at 1064 nm <0.15%

Complete specifications may be found on the Specs tab.

Angles of incidence other than 0° will result in phase shifts that differ from the programmed pattern. Angles of up to 10° are possible without significantly

affecting performance.

The phase/retardance range values are for 30 °C when used with the LK220 liquid chiller.

Fluctuation / Flickering is the phase fluctuation as the percentage of the entire phase range and is dependent on the current phase setting. The value stated is

the maximum fluctuation and typically occurs at half of the phase range.

Exulus Spatial Light Modulators with WUXGA Resolution, High Power

Liquid Crystal on Silicon (LCoS) with an Aluminum

Coating for

400 - 850 nm or 650 - 1100 nm

1920 x 1200 (WUXGA) Resolution

High Power Handing: ≤200 W/cm

Liquid Cooling Module Included on SLM Head

Compatible with LK220 Thermoelectric Liquid Chiller

HDMI*-Compatible and USB 2.0 Input Connectors

SMA Trigger Output

Optic Axis: 0°

Housing Dimensions:

All-in-One: 220.0 mm x 104.0 mm x 68.0 mm

Separate-Panel: 420.0 mm x 104.0 mm x 42.0 mm

Thorlabs' High-Power Spatial Light Modulators (SLMs) are designed for applications requiring highly stable phase operation,

which include interferometry, quantum orbital angular momentum, and laser processing. To improve thermal stability and

allow for high-power handling (≤200 W/cm), these SLM units feature liquid cooling modules, which are compatible with the

Thorlabs LK220 Thermoelectric Liquid Chiller (sold below) or an equivalent chiller.

These Exulus models consist of three main parts: the main unit, an adapter board, and the SLM head. Each SLM head contains a liquid cooling module and an

integrated NTC thermistor, as well as two pre-installed 1/4" hoses with CPC®† valved quick-connect coupling inserts for connecting to the LK220 chiller. If additional

coupling inserts are needed, Thorlabs offers replacement items that are compatible with the high-power SLMs. The FPC connectors and a circuit board that connects

the main unit to the SLM head are housed in the adapter board.

As shown in the images above, these SLM devices can be mounted in either the All-in-One or Separate-Panel configuration. A Quick Start Guide with detailed

instructions on switching between the two modes is included with each unit. For mounting the Exulus in the All-in-One configuration, two sides of the housing each

offer two universal mounting holes that accept both 8-32 and M4 x 0.7 threads; please note that these mounting holes are separated by 75 mm. The adapter board

and SLM head each feature one universal mounting hole that accepts both 8-32 and M4 x 0.7 threads to accommodate mounting in the Separate-Panel configuration.

For tip and tilt adjustments of the SLM panel, the head can be mounted in a kinematic mount with a flat face plate, such as the POLARIS-K1E Ø1" Mirror Mount, using

the Ø1.00" (Ø25.4 mm) smooth mounting surface of the housing.

The SLM software (Thorlabs EXULUS software package) features temperature read out options when the Thorlabs LK220 chiller is connected. The sensor setting

can be set to internal or external, which reads the temperature of the output coolant or the thermistor in the SLM head, respectively. A status bar at the bottom of the

main software GUI displays the actual temperature reading from the chiller. Note that these functions are not available for third-party chillers, but the thermistor can be

read out by the TSP01 temperature logger or a third-party temperature reader with a compatible 2.5 mm stereo connector. If additional remote controls are needed for

operating the chiller, the LK220 Thermoelectric Liquid Chiller software should be used. Detailed performance specifications for the LK220 thermoelectric liquid chiller

can be found in the full web presentation.

*HDMI is a trademark or registered trademark of HDMI Licensing Administrator, Inc. The use of such trademark by Thorlabs does not constitute or imply any affiliation

with or endorsement or sponsorship by such trademark owner.

†CPC® is a registered trademark of Colder Products Company.

Part Number Description Price Availability

EXULUS-HD2HP Customer Inspired! Spatial Light Modulator, 1920 x 1200, 400 - 850 nm, Universal 8-32 / M4 Taps, High Power $16,713.09 Today

EXULUS-HD3HP Customer Inspired! Spatial Light Modulator, 1920 x 1200, 650 - 1100 nm, Universal 8-32 / M4 Taps, High Power $19,951.52 Today

LK220 Thermoelectric Liquid Chiller, 200 W $2,690.63 Today