Open AccessModulation of shape and polarization of beam using a liquid crystal q-plate that is fabricated via photo-alignment
Author(s) -
Yao Han Huang,
Shih Wei Ko,
Ming Shian Li,
Shu Chun Chu,
Andy Ying–Guey Fuh
Publication year - 2013
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.21.010954
Subject(s) - optics , materials science , liquid crystal , polarization (electrochemistry) , gaussian beam , beam (structure) , spatial light modulator , radial polarization , voltage , optoelectronics , laser , laser beams , physics , laser beam quality , chemistry , quantum mechanics
A liquid crystal (LC) device, called a "q-plate" (QP), which is based on axially symmetric photo-alignment was investigated. The electrically tunable LC QP device could be modulated to control the shape and polarization of a linearly polarized Gaussian laser beam that propagated through it. The intensity profile and polarization distribution were simulated by MATLAB and 1D-DIMOS. The results of the simulation were consistent with experimental findings. In the fabricated electrically tunable LC QP device, switching between different beam-profile configurations can be realized by applying a voltage. Moreover, the fabrication of an LC QP is relatively simple, and the device has potential for such practical applications as beam shape modulators and spatial polarization converters use in diffractive optics and imaging systems.