Laser-addressed liquid crystal light valve display at video scan rates

A significant technology gain can be achieved in the area of liquid crystal light valve (LCLV) projection displays. Hughes (Industrial Products Division, Carlsbad, California) previously developed a liquid crystal light valve capable of real-time projection imaging at video scan rates. This light valve has the potential of achieving very high resolution greater than 2,000 television (TV) lines and photosensitivity less than 50 microwatts per square centimeter. However, the current use of this LCLV prevents its full utilization potential as an ultrahigh resolution device because it is limited by the resolution of the cathode ray tube (CRT) used to photoactivate the LCLV.This display system employs the technique of laser addressing to photoactivate the LCLV. Recent advances in the field of laser scanning make it possible to maintain high resolution while sweeping the beam in a high-speed raster format. The beam can then be intensity modulated across many resolvable picture elements on the LCLV.