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A Compact Full 2π Flexoelectro‐Optic Liquid Crystal Phase Modulator
Author(s) -
Wang Xiuze,
Fells Julian A. J.,
Shi Yuping,
Ali Taimoor,
Welch Chris,
Mehl Georg H.,
Wilkinson Timothy D.,
Booth Martin J.,
Morris Stephen M.,
Elston Steve J.
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
advanced materials technologies
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.184
H-Index - 42
ISSN - 2365-709X
DOI - 10.1002/admt.202000589
Subject(s) - waveplate , optics , materials science , liquid crystal , wavefront , phase (matter) , layer (electronics) , spatial light modulator , laser , optoelectronics , phase modulation , nanotechnology , physics , phase noise , quantum mechanics
Abstract Wavefront shaping, which is often achieved using liquid crystal (LC) spatial light modulators, is particularly important for a wide range of applications including laser microfabrication and micromanipulation, microscopy, and quantum optics. In this work, results are presented for the first integrated LC phase modulator that combines a flexoelectro‐optic LC layer (that behaves as a switchable λ/2 waveplate) with a polymerized reactive mesogen layer (which acts as a λ/4 waveplate) and a mirrored substrate that creates a double‐pass geometry. For a flexoelectro‐optic LC layer that exhibits switching angles of ±45° at a voltage of ±85 V a full 2π phase modulation is observed when driven by a 1 kHz waveform. Experimental results are also compared with modeling using Jones calculus of the amplitude and phase variation when the LC and the polymer layer deviate from their desired waveplate conditions. The development and demonstration of an integrated device is particularly significant for applications where size and cost are critical factors such as in LiDAR for the Space and Automotive industries, respectively.