A Small Idea that Can ‘Change the World’: The Phase Light Modulation Story

Phase Light Modulation (PLM) is a novel technique for software-based phase control of monochromatic light that allows for precision wavefront adjustment in the visible, UV and near-infrared (NIR) spectrum.

Developed by Texas Instruments, PLM has already enabled groundbreaking new photonics applications, with much more to come as partners continue exploring new use cases.

To learn more about PLM, where it came from and what’s on the horizon, In-Vision sat down with TI’s Kristofer Oberascher, Industrial Products Business Lead for DLP, and Alex Lyubarsky DLP Industrial Light Control Marketing and Applications Manager, to get an “insider’s perspective” on PLM’s evolution and future capabilities.

Can you tell us about your role in PLM development?

KO: I’ve been involved with PLM for almost 7 years, after spending many years working on MEMS development, packaging and optics. My team focuses on PLM applications such as industrial 3D printing, lithography, optical networking, machine vision, and other advanced optical systems.

AL: I recently joined Kristofer’s Industrial Light Control team after more than 17 years dedicated to DLP and optical design for DMD-based systems. I’m excited to see PLM finally reaching the market to enable so many new applications across research and industry.

Why is PLM so transformative?

KO: I think PLM will change the world, influencing everything from data centers and AI infrastructure to automotive safety systems and consumer electronics.

There are so many opportunities to build or enhance optical systems—things we know are conceptually possible—we just don’t have the technology to make it happen at scale. PLM opens entirely new doors by overcoming those limitations, especially in programmable lighting, holography, optical switching and advanced manufacturing, including industrial 3D printing.

Can you explain the evolution of PLM development at TI?

KO: As most breakthroughs do, PLM began as a relatively small research initiative. After demonstrating its technical viability, we then had to validate market demand. Achieving the first fully functioning PLM pixel was a defining moment. Seeing the device perform exactly as intended—and being able to generate holograms for the first time—was incredibly rewarding.

But we wanted to be certain PLM would solve real-world problems. Once we realized its market impact and potential, the project expanded rapidly and today receives the full support of our entire organization. We have teams specializing in CMOS design, MEMS development, pixel design, advanced packaging, ASICs, software, algorithms, optics, systems engineering and manufacturing, all contributing to PLM innovation.

AL: Our success represents the combined efforts of many engineering teams across TI. Having more than 25 years of DMD experience gave us tremendous confidence throughout the development process.

What industries will PLM benefit the most?

KO: We’re particularly excited about automotive lighting and heads-up displays, holographic display systems, industrial 3D printing and advanced manufacturing. Optical switching for telecommunications will also be a huge market, particularly as demand for data centers to support AI and high-performance computing ramps up.

AL: The telecom space is especially exciting. Optical switching is increasingly important for AI workloads and data center infrastructure. PLM can act as a fast, reconfigurable switch that steers a beam to any selected output fiber by loading a new phase pattern. Where conventional switching mechanically points a mirror or actuator at each destination, PLM uses software to recompute the hologram and route the beam accordingly.

Can you give some examples of how PLM might show up in everyday life?

KO: Our goal is to solve real-world problems, not just create exciting technology to prove that we can. One way PLM might show up is in holographic automotive displays that project navigation or safety information directly into the driver's field of view instead of requiring them to look down at a dashboard screen. PLM can make driving safer and more intuitive.

AL: Another example is a little further upstream, but every AI search or cloud request depends on optical infrastructure, and PLM can significantly improve these systems. By steering light between fibers without converting it to electrical signals and back, PLM switches could move more data faster and with less energy, reducing data center operating costs, power consumption and heat output, along with the effects those have on host communities.

What role do partners play in accelerating PLM innovation?

KO: Partners like In-Vision are critical to expanding the PLM ecosystem, developing new applications and accelerating innovation. No single company can build an entire ecosystem alone. Our customers’ success is ultimately our success.

AL: One of the most exciting aspects of this technology is seeing the new applications our customers discover that we haven’t even imagined yet. Every new use case pushes innovation forward.

What’s on the horizon for PLM? What are you most excited about?

KO: I’m probably PLM’s biggest fan, and I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished together, but this is only the beginning. There are already so many applications where PLM can make a difference, and we’ll continue investing heavily in innovation. Our future roadmap includes higher switching speeds, smaller pixels, higher optical power handling, new MEMS architectures and even broader wavelength support.

AL: For me, the most rewarding part has been helping companies understand how radically different PLM is and demonstrating prototypes and holograms at conferences to show people what PLM is capable of. Watching that moment when they “get it” is incredibly satisfying.

Optical engineers often say, “Programmable optics is an engineer’s dream,” and the fact that we can deliver that capability right now with proven technology is very exciting.

A big thank you to our interview partners from Texas Instruments

Whether you're following the latest advances in optical imaging or simply enjoy stories of innovation, Phase Light Modulation is a compelling reminder that even the biggest breakthroughs often start with a single idea. Thank you for our interview partners about this open talk.