Comprehensive model and performance optimization of phase-only spatial light modulators

Several spurious effects are known to degrade the performance of phase-only spatial light modulators. We introduce a comprehensive model that takes into account the major ones: curvature of the back panel, pixel crosstalk and the internal Fabry–Perot cavity. To estimate the model parameters with high accuracy, we generate blazed grating patterns and acquire the intensity response curves of the first and second diffraction orders. The quantitative model is used to generate compensating holograms, which can produce optical modes with high fidelity.