Modulator-free light control via computational beam shaping

Optical imaging plays a pivotal role in diverse applications, from biomedical diagnostics to astronomical observations. Precise light control is essential in many scenarios, such as mitigating optical scattering and compensating optical path mismatches. Traditionally, such control is achieved through physical beam shaping using dedicated optical modulators. However, these devices introduce additional system complexity, increase cost, and are often limited by fabrication constraints. In this paper, we propose a modulator-free approach to realize light control based on computational beam shaping. By accurately measuring the complex optical field, applying numerical propagation and phase compensation, our method eliminates the need for physical modulators. We demonstrate the feasibility of this approach through a proof-of-concept interference experiment involving multiple distributed apertures within an optical imaging system.