Switchable-focus lenses in holographic polymer-dispersed liquid crystal

Lawrence H. Domash; Tony Chen; Badri N. Gomatam; Conrad M. Gozewski; Richard L. Sutherland; Lalgudi V. Natarajan; Vincent P. Tondiglia; Timothy J. Bunning; W. Wade Adams

doi:10.1117/12.239623

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7 May 1996 Switchable-focus lenses in holographic polymer-dispersed liquid crystal

Lawrence H. Domash, Tony Chen, Badri N. Gomatam, Conrad M. Gozewski, Richard L. Sutherland, Lalgudi V. Natarajan, Vincent P. Tondiglia, Timothy J. Bunning, W. Wade Adams

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Proceedings Volume 2689, Diffractive and Holographic Optics Technology III; (1996) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.239623
Event: Photonics West '96, 1996, San Jose, CA, United States

Abstract

Fine-grained polymer dispersed liquid crystals have recently become available for electrically switchable holographic elements. We explore applications of this novel material to switchable focus diffractive lenses. Several fabrication approaches, holographic and non-holographic, are demonstrated and compared with respect to design flexibility, diffraction efficiency, switching dynamic range, and optical quality. It appears possible to shift optical power between widely separated focal points with a modulation ratio 100:1 on a 10 - 50 microsecond(s) time scale.

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Lawrence H. Domash, Tony Chen, Badri N. Gomatam, Conrad M. Gozewski, Richard L. Sutherland, Lalgudi V. Natarajan, Vincent P. Tondiglia, Timothy J. Bunning, and W. Wade Adams "Switchable-focus lenses in holographic polymer-dispersed liquid crystal", Proc. SPIE 2689, Diffractive and Holographic Optics Technology III, (7 May 1996); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.239623

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