Axially-symmetric sheared polymer network liquid crystals

Abstract

An axially-symmetric sheared polymer network liquid crystal (SPNLC) device is demonstrated and its performances characterized. Through analyzing the structure of this axially-symmetric SPNLC, we constructed a 3-D model to explain the observed phenomena. The simulation results agree well with the experiment. Two potential applications of such an axially-symmetric SPNLC, namely tunable-focus negative lens and spatial polarization converter, are discussed.

P-140: Simultaneous Phase Retardation and Optic Axis Measurements of A- and C-Plates

“…Figure shows the cross-hair pattern while sandwiching AS-SPNLC structure between the crossed polarizers. It is an indirect proof of the axially symmetric structure because the black cross turns while rotating the polarizer and analyzer pairs [5]. Figure shows the top and side views of the AS-SPNLC structure.…”

“…In this paper, we develop a new method for simultaneous detection of phase retardation and optical axis of a phase compensation film using an axially-symmetric Sheared Polymer Network Liquid Crystal (AS-SPNLC) [5][6]. The AS-SPNLC exhibits two unique features: 1) its optical axis is radial in all directions, and 2) its phase retardation has a gradient distribution from center to edges.…”

High-efficiency Fresnel lens fabricated by axially symmetric photoalignment method

“…Radially or azimuthally polarized light beams [10][11][12] have been used to improve performance in confocal microscopy [13] and lithography systems [14].…”

P‐181: Axially Symmetric Liquid‐Crystal Polarization Converter

“…The first approach utilizes an LC spatial light modulator to cause axial polarization [10]. The second method is to control LC directors by concentrically circular rubbing [11]. Recently, Wu et al presented a polarization converter using a sheared polymer network LC and LC gel [12][13].…”