Field-induced multimode liquid crystal switchable grating based on patterned alignment

A field-induced multimode liquid crystal (LC) switchable grating is proposed, fabricated via a patterned alignment process combined with a LC cell integrated with in-plane switching (IPS) electrodes. By applying voltages of different amplitudes, the grating enables flexible multimode switching: in the absence of an external voltage, it functions as a one-dimensional (1D) grating based on the patterned alignment; under a low driving voltage, it switches to a two-dimensional (2D) grating; and under a high driving voltage, it rapidly switches to another 1D grating (1D*) dominated by the IPS electrodes. Essentially, this grating is an alignment layer-electrode synergistically regulated phase grating, formed by the coupling of two independent gratings. The period sizes and fringe directions of the two constituent gratings can be flexibly tailored by virtue of photomask design, electrode arrangement, and exposure process parameters. In addition, it possesses advantages such as a simple fabrication process and flexible switching, exhibiting broad application prospects in fields including optical communication and 3D displays.