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Fringe field-tunable LC refractive index interface for in-plane beam steering applications.

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    This study introduces an electrically tunable optical device using dual-domain nematic liquid crystal (LC) alignment for precise in-plane beam steering. The novel design enables wide-range light beam scanning with milliradian resolution via electrically controlled total internal reflection.

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    Area of Science:

    • Optoelectronics
    • Materials Science
    • Photonics

    Background:

    • Liquid crystals (LCs) are widely used in optical devices due to their tunable optical properties.
    • Existing LC-based beam steering systems often face limitations in steering range and resolution.
    • Developing electrically controllable optical structures is crucial for advanced photonic applications.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To present a novel electrically tunable optical structure for in-plane beam steering.
    • To demonstrate the use of dual-domain nematic liquid crystal alignment for controlling light beams.
    • To achieve wide-range light beam steering with high angular resolution.

    Main Methods:

    • Fabrication of a device utilizing dual-domain nematic liquid crystal (LC) alignment.
    • Implementation of patterned electrodes to create and control an LC refractive index interface.
    • Exploitation of total internal reflection of an extraordinary beam at the LC interface.
    • Tuning the spatial position of the LC interface using a fringing electric field.

    Main Results:

    • The device successfully operates based on total internal reflection at the tunable LC refractive index interface.
    • Electrically switching the refractive index interface in the bulk of the LC layer was achieved.
    • Wide-range light beam microscanning and in-plane angular beam steering with milliradian resolution were demonstrated.
    • The spatial position of the LC interface was effectively tuned by the fringing electric field.

    Conclusions:

    • The proposed dual-domain LC alignment structure offers an effective method for electrically tunable in-plane beam steering.
    • The device enables precise control over light beam spatial position, achieving high-resolution steering.
    • This technology holds potential for advanced applications in optoelectronics and photonics requiring compact beam steering solutions.