Flat-surface pixel for magneto-optic spatial light modulator

We magnetooptically investigated how to make flat-surface pixels for a magnetooptic spatial-light modulator (MOSLM) without a physically isolated iron-garnet film. The flat-surface pixels were produced by the combinatory use of local annealing and metal stress effects. In particular, an Al layer as a mask for thermal infrared (IR) annealing was used to acquire enhanced reflectivity of the pixel area and a simpler fabrication process. In addition, ten times smaller switching bias field was acquired, compared to the physically-isolated pixel. The MOSLM with flat-surface pixels can make a compact system with higher resolution, a simpler fabrication process, and a very low driving current.