Polarization effects in nematic liquid crystal optical phased arrays

Scott R. Harris

doi:10.1117/12.506115

5 January 2004 Polarization effects in nematic liquid crystal optical phased arrays

Scott R. Harris

Proceedings Volume 5213, Liquid Crystals VII; (2004) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.506115
Event: Optical Science and Technology, SPIE's 48th Annual Meeting, 2003, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

In a one-dimensional liquid crystal optical phased array (LCOPA), a liquid crystal layer is electrically addressed by an array of long, narrow electrodes. A spatially periodic voltage profile can be applied to the liquid crystals in order to induce a sawtooth-shaped index of refraction variation in the liquid crystal layer that will steer an optical beam in a fashion analogous to that of a blazed diffraction grating. In reality, an LCOPA is a thick, periodic, anisotropic structure with complicated polarization properties. The changes in polarization as a beam passes through an LCOPA can have negative practical effects, particularly in optical systems where LCOPAs and other polarization-sensitive optical elements are cascaded. This paper presents experimental measurements of the polarization state of the light diffracted by an LCOPA as well as a discussion of the origin of these effects.

Citation Download Citation

Scott R. Harris "Polarization effects in nematic liquid crystal optical phased arrays", Proc. SPIE 5213, Liquid Crystals VII, (5 January 2004); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.506115

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