Vertically-aligned polymer stabilized liquid crystals (VA-PSLC) with a curing voltage for fast-response wavelength-tuning applications
Journal
Molecular Crystals and Liquid Crystals
Journal Volume
613
Journal Issue
1
Pages
45-50
Date Issued
2015
Author(s)
Li, Y.-M.
Abstract
We present experimental results obtained for a Vertically-Aligned Polymer Stabilized Liquid Crystal (VA-PSLC) with a curing voltage. The curing voltage was found to help reduce the otherwise strong scattering effect of the VA-PSLC. This liquid crystal mode was placed inside a Fabry-Perot cavity to achieve a wavelength tunable filter. Wavelength tuning range was found to decrease as curing voltage increased, which is consistent with what we expected since molecules had a larger pretilt angle when the curing voltage was higher. Shortening of response time (>10X) was found as polymer concentration increased since the polymer effect helped improve the response speed. These filters can have potential applications in wavelength tuning applications (e.g. WDM) in telecommunication systems where high speed is desirable. This new liquid crystal mode of VA-PSLC with a curing voltage can also find applications where both fast response time and pure phase modulation are desirable.
SDGs
Type
journal article