Converting a Texas Instruments DLP4710 DLP evaluation module into a spatial light modulator

Digital micro-mirror devices (DMDs) are a popular alternative to liquid crystal spatial light modulators for laser beam shaping due to their relatively low cost, high speed, and polarization and wavelength independence. Here we describe in detail how to convert a low-cost digital light projector (DLP) evaluation module that uses a Texas Instruments DLP4710 DMD into a spatial light modulator using a 3D printed mount. The resulting device is shown to accurately shape Laguerre–Gauss modes, is able to operate in real-time over HDMI without modification with a 180 Hz hologram refresh rate, and has a resolution of 1920 × 1080 pixels and diagonal screen size of 0.47 inches (11.9 mm).