We propose to study the conditions for implementation of complex amplitude modulation on standard liquid-crystal spatial light modulators when illuminated by polarized light. The spatial light modulators are used in a conventional configuration, i.e., the voltage is applied parallel to the wave-front propagation direction. The most commonly used liquid-crystal materials are compared and their usefulness in some general applications discussed. Their specificities with respect to different modulation types and application requirements are briefly described. Typical characteristics such as response time modulation range, and wavelength insensitivity are also discussed. Finally, as an illustration, a first attempt at nomenclature is proposed for the case of a linearly polarized light. # 1997 Optical Society of America
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