Open AccessPhotonic crystal fiber with a dual-frequency addressable liquid crystal: behavior in the visible wavelength range
Author(s) -
Alexander Lorenz,
Heinz–S. Kitzerow,
Anka Schwuchow,
Jens Kobelke,
Hartmut Bartelt
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
optics express
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.394
H-Index - 271
ISSN - 1094-4087
DOI - 10.1364/oe.16.019375
Subject(s) - materials science , photonic crystal fiber , liquid crystal , optics , planar , attenuation , optical fiber , optoelectronics , wavelength , polarization (electrochemistry) , fiber , photonic crystal , liquid crystal on silicon , physics , chemistry , computer graphics (images) , computer science , composite material
Wave-guiding in the visible spectral range is investigated for a micro-structured crystal fiber filled with a dual-frequency addressable nematic liquid crystal mixture. The fiber exhibits a solid core surrounded by just 4 rings of cylindrical holes. Control of the liquid crystal alignment by anchoring agents permits relatively low attenuation. Samples with different anchoring conditions at the interface of the silica glass and the liquid crystal show different transmission properties and switching behavior. Polarization dependent and independent fiber optic switching is observed. Due to a dualfrequency addressing scheme, active switching to both states with enhanced and reduced transmission becomes possible for planar anchoring. Even a non-perfect fiber shows reasonable transmission and a variety of interesting effects.