Compact full-field modulation of optical vector fields using a single digital micromirror device

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The ability to generate complex optical vector fields with precise control over amplitude, phase, and polarization is essential for advanced applications in optical imaging, communication, and manipulation. In this work, we present a superpixel-based encoding method that enables full-field vector modulation using a single digital micromirror device (DMD). Each superpixel encodes two complex values corresponding to orthogonal polarization components, which are spatially separated and filtered through a 4f optical system to reconstruct the target field. This approach preserves the intrinsic speed and binary operation of DMDs while achieving high modulation fidelity—exceeding 90% in theory and 86% in experiments involving complex vector optical fields with natural image content. The proposed method provides a compact, scalable, and versatile platform for applications such as digital holography, optical manipulation, and polarization-resolved imaging.