Santec AOC Corporation (Komaki, Aichi, Japan; hereinafter “Santec AOC”) announces the development of its latest product, the SLM-310, a liquid crystal on silicon (LCOS)-based spatial light modulator engineered to withstand 1kW-class laser power in the near-infrared spectrum (1 µm band). Designed for advanced industrial applications such as metal 3D printing and precision laser processing, the SLM-310 combines high-reliability LCOS technology with newly developed liquid crystal materials offering exceptional light resistance.

■New Option for Near-Infrared Laser Processing
Near-infrared lasers are widely used in material processing, particularly for metals and plastics. The SLM-310 spatial light modulator significantly enhances precision, processing efficiency, and minimizes thermal effects on materials during metal processing. When integrated into laser processing machines—such as welders, hole drillers, and cutters, and metal 3D printers—it enables more accurate and controlled processing.
The SLM-310 supports advanced laser processing techniques that are not achievable with traditional galvanometer scanner technology. By enabling beam shaping and multi-point laser irradiation with 1kW-class lasers, it delivers new value to metal additive manufacturing (3D printing) applications.

■Product Overview and Development Background
The reflective LCOS (Liquid Crystal on Silicon) spatial light modulator (SLM) enables precise phase control of light, allowing for a wide range of optical functions such as beam deflection and shape transformation. While Santec AOC Corporation has previously developed LCOS-SLMs capable of tolerating up to 500W of optical power, higher power resistance became essential for demanding metal processing applications.
In response, the newly developed SLM-310 incorporates a water-cooling system and is designed to handle up to 1kW of laser power—twice the light tolerance of its predecessors. This advancement significantly extends the SLM’s applicability in high-power industrial environments.

Key Features:

• High Resolution: WUXGA standard (1920×1200), 2.3 million pixels
• High Phase Resolution: 10-bit (1024 levels), four times better than 8-bit (256 levels) from other manufacturers
• Customizability: Tailored solutions available using Santec AOC’s proprietary SLM design

■Expected Benefits of Spatial Light Modulators in Metal Processing

1. Improved Processing Precision
   Spatial light modulators enable dynamic control of the beam profile, allowing for highly precise processing. In the fabrication of fine structures and complex metal components, the SLM-310 delivers a level of precision that is difficult to achieve with traditional methods, ensuring consistent production of high-quality parts.
   
2. Faster Processing and Beam Shaping for Increased Efficiency
   The SLM-310 allows for instantaneous adjustment of laser irradiation patterns, significantly reducing processing time. Techniques such as using donut- or ring-shaped beams can enhance speed while minimizing unnecessary thermal input, resulting in improved processing efficiency.
   
3. Simultaneous Multi-point and Multi-region Irradiation
   The SLM can split a single laser beam into multiple points and apply distinct patterns simultaneously, enabling the processing of several areas at once. This processing capability shortens takt time and greatly boosts overall productivity.
   
4. Minimized Thermal Effects on Materials
   By precisely controlling laser energy distribution, the SLM-310 concentrates heat only where needed. This targeted energy delivery reduces spatter, improves quality, and mitigates the need for post-processing. It also helps preserve the integrity of temperature-sensitive materials.
   

■Key Specifications of the SLM-310 Spatial Light Modulator

The SLM-310 is expected to be available for order in 2025.