Analysis of gray scale and mode coupling in a lasing pixel array

Summary form only given. A lasing pixel, consisting of a polymer-dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) used as a variable low-voltage controlled loss element placed inside a laser cavity, has already been demonstrated as a feasible method for a projection display. Here, we examine pixel coupling and gray-scale control of an array of lasing pixels to determine the conditions under which the system can accurately project a desired output or image mode. A lasing pixel array is created by pixelating the intracavity PDLC, which if properly designed can be forced to have a transverse-mode profile that concentrates energy in the transparent on-state pixels. In the weak coupling limit, the PDLC can be viewed as exciting a superposition state of many transverse modes of the unperturbed cavity, creating the image.