Holographic PDLC for photonic applications

Lawrence H. Domash; Gregory P. Crawford; Allan C. Ashmead; Ronald T. Smith; Milan M. Popovich; John Storey

doi:10.1117/12.405328

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24 October 2000 Holographic PDLC for photonic applications

Lawrence H. Domash, Gregory P. Crawford, Allan C. Ashmead, Ronald T. Smith, Milan M. Popovich, John Storey

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Proceedings Volume 4107, Liquid Crystals IV; (2000) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.405328
Event: International Symposium on Optical Science and Technology, 2000, San Diego, CA, United States

Abstract

Holographic polymer-dispersed liquid crystal, a new class of composite electro-optic materials, has rapidly matured as a technology for electronically switchable Bragg gratings. Recent progress in H-PDLC materials science has improved basic understanding of the mechanisms of diffusion, nanodroplet formation, and the morphology underlying switchable holograms, leading to practical improvements in key parameters such as the switching ratio, speed and operating voltage and an ability to optimize formulations for varied device functions such a switchable lenses and switchable waveguide Bragg gratings. Combining lens, filter or holographic optical functions with switchability leads to reduced parts count and simplified designs for projection displays and compact wearable microdisplays. H-PDLC technology is now approaching the performance and stability requirements that will enable photonic applications such as low cost WDM switches for optical networks.

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Lawrence H. Domash, Gregory P. Crawford, Allan C. Ashmead, Ronald T. Smith, Milan M. Popovich, and John Storey "Holographic PDLC for photonic applications", Proc. SPIE 4107, Liquid Crystals IV, (24 October 2000); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.405328

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