Light Polarization Control using Liquid Crystal Devices

Using the Liquid Crystal Spatial Light Modulators for Control of Coherence and Polarization of Optical Beams

A Polarization-Independent Liquid Crystal Spatial Light Modulator

We report our recent experimental results on a new polarization-independent, liquid crystal (LC) spatial light modulator (SLM). Based on a periodic nematic director profile, the modulator acts as a switchable diffraction grating with only 0and ±1st-orders at efficiencies of ≥ 99%, manifests contrast ratios ∼600:1 (for laser light), switching times of ∼ 2ms, and threshold voltages of < 1V/μm. Re...

Polarization-resolved angular patterns of nematic liquid crystal cells: Topological events driven by incident light polarization

We study the angular structure of polarization of light transmitted through a nematic liquid crystal NLC cell by analyzing the polarization state as a function of the incidence angles and the polarization of the incident wave. The polarization-resolved angular conoscopic patterns emerging after the NLC cell illuminated by the convergent light beam are described in terms of the polarization sing...

Control of light polarization by voltage in excitonic metasurface devices

S.V. Lobanov, 2 N.A. Gippius, S.G. Tikhodeev, 4 and L.V. Butov School of Physics and Astronomy, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF24 3AA, United Kingdom Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Moscow 143026, Russia A. M. Prokhorov General Physics Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vavilova Street 38, Moscow 119991, Russia M. V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie Gory 1, Moscow ...

Liquid-crystal diffraction gratings using polarization holography alignment techniques

A method of patterning surfaces for liquid-crystal alignment using a polarization holography exposure on a linear photopolymerizable polymer alignment layer is demonstrated. Three configurations are demonstrated which include registered planar-periodic surface boundary conditions on both surfaces true polarization gratings , planar-periodic and uniform planary surface boundary conditions, and p...