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POLICRYPS-based electrically switchable Bragg reflector
Optics Express
|December 25, 2015
Summary
Researchers developed a switchable reflective element using polymer liquid crystal (LC) polymer slice (POLICRYPS) structures. This novel Bragg mirror
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Optoelectronics
- Polymer Chemistry
Background:
- Development of tunable optical elements is crucial for advanced display and photonic applications.
- Polymer-stabilized liquid crystal (LC) materials offer unique electro-optical properties for device fabrication.
Purpose of the Study:
- To fabricate and characterize a switchable volume reflective element using a POLICRYPS structure.
- To investigate the electro-optical and thermal tunability of the Bragg reflection properties.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of the POLICRYPS structure via holographic photopolymerization at 65 °C.
- Utilizing a photosensitive nematic liquid crystal prepolymer mixture.
- Characterization using polarizing optical microscopy and electro-optical/temperature experiments.
Main Results:
- Formation of a submicron Bragg structure with periodic polymeric walls and LC channels.
- Observation of homeotropic alignment of nematic LC within the polymer matrix.
- Demonstration of switchable Bragg reflection tunable by electric fields (~3V/µm) and temperature.
Conclusions:
- The POLICRYPS structure effectively functions as a switchable Bragg mirror.
- Tunable reflection efficiency by external electric fields and temperature opens possibilities for novel optical devices.
