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Photonic Eigenmodes of 2D Cylindrical Cholesteric Liquid Crystal Resonators
Urban Mur1,2, Jaka Zaplotnik1,3, Martin Horvat1
1Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, University of Ljubljana, Jadranska ulica 19, Ljubljana SI-1000, Slovenia.
ACS Photonics
|October 20, 2025
Summary
This study numerically investigates optical modes in cylindrical cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC) resonators. Findings reveal unique Bragg-like, defect, and whispering gallery modes arising from confinement and helicity, aiding CLC photonic device design.
Area of Science:
- Photonics
- Soft Matter Physics
- Materials Science
Background:
- Cholesteric liquid crystals (CLCs) exhibit helical structures, enabling selective reflection of circularly polarized light.
- Their optical properties are well-understood in planar systems but less so in curved geometries like cylinders and droplets.
- Understanding CLCs in confined geometries is crucial for advanced optical applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To numerically investigate photonic eigenmodes in 2D cylindrical CLC resonators.
- To explore the influence of concentric layered and spiral configurations on optical properties.
- To elucidate the interplay between cylindrical confinement and cholesteric helicity.
Main Methods:
- Numerical simulation of photonic eigenmodes.
- Modeling of 2D cylindrical CLC resonators with specific structural configurations.
- Analysis of mode characteristics, including Bragg-like, defect, and whispering gallery modes.
Main Results:
- Identification of distinct optical modes: Bragg-like, central defect, and whispering gallery modes.
- Demonstration of how cylindrical confinement and cholesteric helicity dictate the mode structure.
- Connection of 1D CLC behavior to 2D cylindrical and 3D spherical systems.
Conclusions:
- The study provides insights into polarization-dependent mode structures in anisotropic media.
- Findings facilitate the design of novel CLC-based photonic elements.
- Implications for developing soft-matter-based lasers and spherical reflectors are highlighted.
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