Abstract: A blazed output for a grating or filter is obtained by writing the real part of a complex function on a first portion of a recording medium and the imaginary part on a second portion of the recording medium, and introducing a phase shift between the first portion and second portion. A spatial light modulator, such as a magneto optic spatial light modulator (MOSLM) is preferably divided along the diagonal bisector of the MOSLM. The Fourier transform of the input function is taken and the cosine transform is written on the MOSLM to one side of the bisector and the sine transform is written on the other side of the bisector. A 90.degree. phase shift is introduced between the two halves of the MOSLM, for example, through use of a quarterwave plate arrangement. An analyzer polarizer converter provides a binarized output. Blazing may be achieved such that substantially all of incident light may be directed into a desired order. Light may be uniquely and dynamically directed as for example in optical interconnects.