A method for driving an optical device for optical stimulation. In step (1) upon loading a first image pattern associated with light of a first wavelength into an SLM, the SLM is illuminated with light of the first wavelength for a first time period while the light of the second wavelength is off. In step (2) upon loading a second image pattern associated with light of a second wavelength into the SLM, the SLM is illuminated with light of the second wavelength for a second time period while the light of the first wavelength is off. The steps (1) and (2) are iteratively repeated, in that order, until a predetermined stimulation duration is attained. The first time period and the second time period are both shorter than a response time of a specimen (e.g., neuron(s)) that is being optically stimulated.
