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Optically Controllable Linear-Polarization Rotator Using Chiral-Azobenzene-Doped Liquid Crystals
Cheng-Kai Liu1, Chian-Yu Chiu2, Stephen M Morris3
1Department of Optics and Photonics, National Central University, Taoyuan 32001, Taiwan. aerobert007@gmail.com.
Materials (Basel, Switzerland)
|November 16, 2017
Summary
Researchers developed a tunable linear-polarization rotator using chiral-azobenzene-doped liquid crystals (CAdLCs). This device allows optical tuning of light polarization orientation while maintaining a high degree of linear polarization (DoLP).
Area of Science:
- Optoelectronics
- Materials Science
- Liquid Crystal Physics
Background:
- Chiral-azobenzene-doped liquid crystals (CAdLCs) exhibit tunable optical properties.
- Controlling the polarization of light is crucial for various optical applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate a linear-polarization rotator utilizing optically tunable CAdLCs.
- To analyze the relationship between pitch, helix turns, and polarization rotation angle.
Main Methods:
- Experimental investigation of CAdLCs.
- Optical characterization of linearly polarized (LP) light transmission.
- Simulation using the 4x4 Berreman matrix method.
- Analysis of factors affecting the degree of linear polarization (DoLP).
Main Results:
- Demonstrated optical tunability of LP light orientation using CAdLCs.
- Achieved transmitted light with a good degree of linear polarization (DoLP).
- Established dependence of rotation angle on pitch and cholesteric helix turns.
- Discussed photoisomerization effects on DoLP and introduced a calibration term for pitch changes.
Conclusions:
- CAdLCs offer a viable platform for tunable linear-polarization rotators.
- The pitch and helix structure are key parameters for controlling polarization rotation.
- Understanding DoLP variations is important for device performance.
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