A phase and phase/amplitude spatial light modulator arrangement for generating a complex-valued light field with a spatial light modulator, a phase element and an optical system. The phase and amplitude spatial light modulator arrangement is configured to generate a light field that is adjustable in amount and phase.A method realizes operation of a combined spatial light modulator for generating a complex-valued light field. Here, the method includes adapting an optical characteristic in several areas of a phase element.A further method realizes operation of an optical arrangement for modulating different light wavelengths by adjusting several wave influences in several areas of a phase modulator.A last method realizes operation of an optical arrangement by adjusting an amplitude spatial light modulator for modulating light intensities in at least two optical paths.