Submillisecond-Response Polymer Network Liquid Crystal Phase Modulators

Abstract

A submillisecond-response and light scattering-free polymer-network liquid crystal (PNLC) for infrared spatial light modulators is demonstrated. Our new liquid crystal host exhibits a higher birefringence, comparable dielectric anisotropy, and slightly lower visco-elastic constant than a commonly employed commercial material, HTG-135200. Moreover, the electro-optical performance of our PNLCs with different monomer concentrations, cell gaps, and liquid crystal (LC) hosts is compared and discussed from four aspects: operating voltage, hysteresis, relaxation time, and light scattering loss. The temperature effect on hysteresis is also analyzed. Potential applications of PNLCs for laser beam steering and spatial light modulators especially in the infrared region are foreseeable.

Switchable polarization volume gratings for augmented reality waveguide displays

“…In experiment, the applied voltage is up to 36 V, but a lower voltage can be achieved with a more uniform and thinner cell gap. A thinner cell gap requires a lower operation voltage and leads to a faster response time 18 . Although a thinner cell gap will cause a lower diffraction efficiency, it may be beneficial to have a PS‐PVG with low diffraction efficiency, such as for use as an output coupler in waveguides for better uniformity in the eye‐box.…”

52‐3: Field sequential color LCD for enabling 60‐PPD and 100°‐FoV VR displays

“…Also, it is challenging to obtain such a fast response time using VA mode. Although polymer network can improve response time [17], the scattering and operating voltage are potential concerns. Micro-OLED is another type of light engine that exhibits ultrahigh contrast ratio.…”

52‐4: Distinguished Student Paper: Switchable polarization volume gratings for augmented reality waveguide displays

“…In experiment, the applied voltage is up to 36 V, but a lower voltage can be achieved with a more uniform and thinner cell gap. A thinner cell gap requires a lower operation voltage and leads to a faster response time [11]. Although a thinner cell gap will cause a lower diffraction efficiency, it may be beneficial to have a PS PVG with low diffraction efficiency, such as for use as an output coupler in waveguides for better brightness uniformity in the eye-box.…”