Blazed phase liquid crystal beam steering

Roy M. Matic

doi:10.1117/12.177691

Translator Disclaimer

8 June 1994 Blazed phase liquid crystal beam steering

Roy M. Matic

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 2120, Laser Beam Propagation and Control; (1994) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.177691
Event: OE/LASE '94, 1994, Los Angeles, CA, United States

Abstract

In this paper we describe a novel liquid crystal device for rapidly steering laser beams for high-power and large-aperture applications. The device consists of an array of optical phase modulators that contain a thin, active, liquid crystal layer sandwiched between two substrates. The unique aspect of the device is that each phase modulator can produce a linear (blazed) phase gradient, rather than the constant phase profile typical of other liquid crystal beam- steering devices. It is designed for use over a wide range of wavelengths and is particularly well suited for the deflection of short-wavelength laser beam. In this paper, we will describe device design, theoretical performance (diffraction efficiency and time response), and present experimental results of a device built to deflect a 1.064-micrometers laser beam.

Citation Download Citation

Roy M. Matic "Blazed phase liquid crystal beam steering", Proc. SPIE 2120, Laser Beam Propagation and Control, (8 June 1994); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.177691

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE