Simple electrically tunable liquid crystal spatial phase modulator
Zhanna Zemska, Tigran Galstian
Abstract
We describe multiple optical functionalities obtained with a simple electrically tunable liquid crystal element that can be controlled by 4 electrodes, which are connected to a serpentine shaped transparent indium tin oxide layer. We experimentally demonstrate that the device is capable of dynamically generating refractive index distributions corresponding to a standard spherical lens, axicon, cylindrical lens, and prism. The dynamic switching of the device between these different operation modes is done in a very simple electronic way. We think that this element has a significant potential for applications in adaptive imaging, optogenetics, photonic integrated circuits, etc.
Topics & Concepts
Materials scienceOpticsAxiconSpatial light modulatorLiquid crystalIndium tin oxideLens (geology)Spherical aberrationRefractive indexPhotonic crystalBeam steeringPrismLiquid crystal tunable filterOptoelectronicsPhase (matter)Layer (electronics)LaserPhysicsNanotechnologyLaser beamsBeam (structure)Quantum mechanicsAdvanced Optical Imaging TechnologiesLiquid Crystal Research AdvancementsPhotonic and Optical Devices