Authors

H. W. Ren; S. Xu;S. T. Wu

Comments

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Keywords

SUBMILLISECOND-RESPONSE; MICROLENS; GELS; MODULATORS

Abstract

A simple approach for preparing gradient polymer network liquid crystal (PNLC) with a large refractive index change is demonstrated. To control the effective refractive index at a given cell position, we applied a voltage to a homogeneous cell containing LC/diacrylate monomer mixture to generate the desired tilt angle and then stabilize the LC orientation with UV-induced polymer network. By varying the applied voltage along with the cells' movement, a PNLC with a gradient refractive index distribution is obtained. In comparison with conventional approaches using patterned photomask or electrode, our method offers following advantages: large refractive index change, freedom to design specific index profile, and large panel capability. Potential applications include tunable-focus lenses, prism gratings, phase modulators, and other adaptive photonic devices.

Journal Title

Optics Express

Volume

20

Issue/Number

24

Publication Date

1-1-2012

Document Type

Article

Language

English

First Page

26464

Last Page

26472

WOS Identifier

WOS:000312452800036

ISSN

1094-4087

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