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Updated: Feb 14, 2026

Measuring Magnetically-Tuned Ferroelectric Polarization in Liquid Crystals
Published on: August 15, 2018
All-optical control of polarization splitting with a dielectric-clad azobenzene liquid crystal
Abstract:
We report the design, fabrication, and characterization of an optically switchable polarizing beam splitter with a prism/azobenzene liquid crystal/prism hybrid structure. The beam splitter can operate in the polarization-splitting mode and the non-splitting mode. The switching between the modes is realized by the photoisomerization-induced phase transitions in the azobenzene liquid crystal, featuring all-optical control, bistability, and fast response. Such an active polarization-handling element is highly desirable as it not only simplifies and compacts sophisticated optical systems but also increases the degree of freedom in optical circuit design.
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