Limits of use of polymer thin-films for spatial light modulation

We present the ultimate limits of use of photochromic polymer films for spatial light modulation. Criteria for the comparison of different modulation principles and materials are given. A figure of merit based on switching efficiency is derived. An application of polymer films for real-time holography is presented. In this respect, the advantages of polymer thin films on other materials appear essential. They indeed permit the use of large viewing angles in order to reduce system size, as well as readout with frequency conversion in order to reduce the effect of scattering. Different aspects of the photochromic process are discussed.