Response rate of optically controlled space-time light modulators based on a bismuth-silicate-nematic-liquid-crystal structure

This paper presents an experimental study of the possibility of enhancing the response rate of a photoconductor-nematic-liquid-crystal structure. The contribution introduced by the inertia of the individual layers is analyzed for various structures and under various conditions. It is proven that, when the read-out is done with radiation from the mid-IR region, it is impossible in principle to achieve response rates higher than several hertz. This applies to all space- time light modulators of the given type, since the response rate depends not on the properties of the semiconductor but on the thickness of the liquid-crystal layer, which in turn is entirely determined by the wavelength of the readout radiation. (C) 2004 Optical Society of America.