In described examples, a system (e.g., a security system or a vehicle operator assistance system) is configured to configure a phased spatial light modulator (SLM) to generate a diffraction pattern. A coherent light source is optically coupled to direct coherent light upon the SLM. The SLM is configured to project diffracted coherent light toward a region of interest. An optical element is configured to focus the diffracted coherent light toward the at least one region of interest.