Submillisecond response variable optical attenuator based on sheared polymer network liquid crystal

Abstract

We demonstrate a variable optical attenuator (VOA) at lambda=1.55 microm using a sheared polymer network liquid crystal (SPNLC). The SPNLC exhibits a fast response time and weak wavelength dependency. Comparing with other polymer-stabilized liquid crystals, the SPNLC has lower driving voltage and negligible light scattering loss when the wavelength exceeds 700 nm. A reflection type VOA with ~0.24 ms response time and -32 dB dynamic range is demonstrated at room temperature and 35 Vrms voltage.

Affect on the UV polymerization condition of polymer liquid crystal materials for variable optical attenuator

“…The phase separation method has become the primary method of preparation and it contains three ways: thermally-induced phase separation (TIPS), solvent-induced phase separation (SIPS), and polymerizationinduced phase separation (PIPS) [3][4][5][6]. We usually use PIPS in experiment.…”

“…The response of liquid crystal molecules to an electric field is the major characteristic utilized in industrial applications [2][3]. The optical components study based on the electro-optical properties of the PLC materials in the fiber-optic telecommunications have many superiority because of its low cost, Simple Process, higher dynamic range and low power consumption [4][5]. The light scattering effect of the PLC is the predominant attenuating mechanism of the PLC variable optical attenuator.…”

POLICRYPS Composite Materials: Features and Applications

“…Moreover, the switching times of such devices are usually quite long (2-8 ms), thus limiting the field of possible applications. In order to overcome the above-mentioned problems, the NLC layer is often stabilized by means of polymeric chains [Wu et al, 2004]; their presence improves the response times of the device but, unfortunately, drastically increases the operating voltages (due, probably, to the torque exerted by the polymer on the nematic director). Moreover, due to the irregularity of morphology induced by the presence of polymeric chains, visible light is strongly scattered.…”

Simulation Study on Polarization-Independent Microlens Arrays Utilizing Blue Phase Liquid Crystals with Spatially-Distributed Kerr Constants

“…To remove the usage of a polarizer, polarization independent LC phase modulations are developed. Three types of polarization independent LC phase modulations have been proposed: the type of the double-layered structure, the type of the residual phase structure, and the mixed type [4][5][6][7][8][9][10].…”