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Multifunctional light beam control device by stimuli-responsive liquid crystal micro-grating structures
J F Algorri1, P Morawiak2, D C Zografopoulos3
1Photonics Engineering Group, University of Cantabria, 39005, Santander, Spain. algorrijf@unican.es.
Scientific Reports
|August 16, 2020
Summary
A novel liquid crystal (LC) device uses indium-tin oxide (ITO) gratings to precisely control light phase. This all-in-one component generates Bessel beams, steers lasers, and creates tunable gratings with low voltage and large aperture.
Area of Science:
- Optics and Photonics
- Materials Science
- Electro-optics
Background:
- Precise control of light phase is crucial for scientific and industrial applications.
- Electro-optical materials, particularly liquid crystals (LCs), offer promising solutions for light modulation.
- Existing methods often lack versatility or require complex setups.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose and demonstrate a novel technique for modulating the spatial phase profile of light using LCs.
- To create a versatile, all-in-one electro-optical device with multiple functionalities.
- To achieve precise light phase control with a simple, compact, and efficient system.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a planar LC cell between two perpendicularly placed indium-tin oxide (ITO) grating microstructures.
- Electro-optical addressing of the LC cell using microstructured electrodes.
- Application of precisely selected voltage sources to modulate the LC-induced phase profile.
Main Results:
- Demonstration of generating non-diffractive Bessel beams.
- Successful implementation of laser stretching and beam steering capabilities.
- Creation of 2D tunable diffraction gratings with the proposed device.
- Achieved low operating voltages, large aperture, and simple voltage control.
Conclusions:
- The proposed LC-tunable component acts as a multifunctional device for spatial light modulation.
- The technique offers unprecedented characteristics, including low power consumption and compactness.
- This approach opens new research avenues in electro-optical phase modulation formats.
