Kelly, Thu-Lan2006-12-282006-12-2819971997http://hdl.handle.net/2440/19563Copies of author's previously published articles inserted.Bibliography: p. 119-129.xvi, 129, [58] p. : ill. ; 30 cm.This thesis investigated the suitability of liquid crystal spatial light modulators as versatile computer controlled optical elements. The modulation characteristics were determined empirically and experimentally, and their performance as phase modulators tested in the two diverse applications of computer generated holography and phase aberration correction. Commercial liquid crystal panels from a video projector were used, chosen because of low cost, high resolution, computer controlled input, reconfigurability and ready availability. The panels were found to be more suited to amplitude than to phase modulation. Results show that the devices are versatile enough to be adapted to the two very different applications.115758 bytesapplication/pdfenLight modulators.Holography.Phase modulation.Liquid crystal devices.Thesis