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Spatial Light Modulators (SLMs) are key elements in real-time optical signal processors. The performance limitations of SLMs have significantly hampered the application of optical pattern recognition systems, such as optical correlators, to Real World problems. Exploration of nonlinear transformations in the Fourier plane of optical processors, such as correlators is of considerable interest. Computer simulations have been extensively reported. Several optically addressed SLMs responses, proposed for use in nonlinear transformation processes, have not been characterized. This report provides experimental data on candidate SLMs: Hughes LCLV, GEC-Marconi SLM, and the University of Colorado- Boulder ferroelectric liquid crystal SLM. Data reported are variations in the driving waveform frequency and amplitude, incident read beam intensity, and spectral variations in the read beam. Equivalent circuit models have been developed to explain modulator response. The nonlinear transformation function of optically addressed SLMs may be used to improve optical processor performance for use as correlators.