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Liquid Crystal Lensacons, Logarithmic and Linear Axicons
José Francisco Algorri1, Virginia Urruchi2, Braulio García-Cámara3
1Electronic Technology Department, Carlos III University of Madrid, Butarque 15, E28911, Madrid, Spain. jalgorri@ing.uc3m.es.
Materials (Basel, Switzerland)
|August 10, 2017
Summary
This study introduces a novel tunable axicon using liquid crystals, overcoming limitations of previous square-aperture designs. The new device offers a perfect conical shape and electrically controlled focus, enabling reconfigurable optical applications.
Area of Science:
- Optics and Photonics
- Materials Science
Background:
- Previous liquid crystal axicons suffered from deviations from linear response and square apertures.
- Classical fabrication methods for axicons are costly and yield fixed phase profiles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose and theoretically investigate a novel tunable axicon structure.
- To achieve a perfect conical shape and circular aperture with electrical tunability.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a simulation program combining Finite Elements Method (FEM) for voltage distribution.
- Employed the Frank-Oseen equation to model nematic liquid crystal molecular alignment.
- Designed the axicon based on nematic liquid crystal and phase-shifted electrical signals.
Main Results:
- The proposed device achieves a perfect conical shape and circular aperture.
- Demonstrated electrical reconfigurability using low voltage signals.
- Showcased control over the focus depth and position.
Conclusions:
- The novel liquid crystal axicon design offers significant advantages over previous methods.
- Electrical control provides a flexible and reconfigurable solution for axicon applications.
- This technology paves the way for advanced optical beam shaping.
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