LCD for laser blanking ?

[LaserLover]

Has anyone here ever tried using an LCD display for laser blanking instead of an AOM or a galvo ?

I'd be interested in knowing your level of success and materials, design used.

Rick

[LASER-AD]

When i was at AVI, i know they did some tests with it, But it was not Efficient to pass the bean through......aT THAT TIME

[LaserLover]

I've heard of Light Valves (modified type of LCD) created by Hughes Corp that are being used for making digital holograms.
I wonder if those would work for modulating/blanking a laser?

There may have been a polarization Issue or switching speed problem that reduced efficiency when AVI tested the LCD.

Rick

[jkaiser3000]

I know LCD's are used as laser modulators, a sort of analog modulation if you will, but I really don't know how adecuate it would be to use it as a means for blanking a laser. There are several things to consider also, like laser power (if your laser is too powerful, it may damage the LCD cristals), blanking speed (may be a bit slower than TTL or galvo or AOM) and LCD density (may not be dark enough to totaly blank the laser).

But, I don't know how to implement this idea, although it's an interesting one . You will certainly need an LCD driving circuit, and a way of connecting that circuit to the TTL or analog signal from your display.

Maybe someone more knowledgeable can instruct us on this?

[LaserLover]

I agree that laser power would be an issue.
I guess I'll have to experiment and see for myself.
It would help if someone had already done some tests that help eliminate some dead ends and point me in the right direction.

Rick

[LaserLover]

Heh Guys,

I found this very interesting White Paper on a laser TV using Light Valves.
See " http://home.earthlink.net/~metatroy/Whitepaper1997.htm "

Check it out.
Now I'm looking for light valves made by JVC to experiment on.
Anyone out there have a light valve to spare ?

Rick