Controlling diffracted beam-polarization by patterned optical-field in a photosensitive chiral nematic.
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| Title: | Controlling diffracted beam-polarization by patterned optical-field in a photosensitive chiral nematic. |
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| Authors: | Liang, Fei1 (AUTHOR), Jing, Hongzhen1 (AUTHOR), Fu, Jiaming1 (AUTHOR), Xiang, Ying1 (AUTHOR) frank_xiang68@qq.com, Salamon, Péter1,2 (AUTHOR) salamon.peter@wigner.hun-ren.hu, Éber, Nándor2 (AUTHOR), Buka, Ágnes2 (AUTHOR), Kohout, Michal3 (AUTHOR), Li, Jiaoyang4 (AUTHOR), Chen, Jiawen5 (AUTHOR) |
| Source: | Journal of Molecular Liquids. Feb2025, Vol. 420, pN.PAG-N.PAG. 1p. |
| Subjects: | Cholesteric liquid crystals, Nematic liquid crystals, Optical polarization, Vector beams, Liquid crystals |
| Abstract: | • In contrast to traditional polarization control techniques which are only applicable to the transmitted light, we can manipulate the polarization state of the diffracted beam. • Besides experiments, we also provide the theoretical basis of the patterned UV-light-induced director distortion and the expected diffraction characteristics. • Taking advantage of the adjustable self-assembling behaviour and stimuli-responsive reconfigurable morphology of liquid crystals, in situ operations can be performed dynamically. This technique may open new perspectives in photonic applications. • We pointed out that with an optimized combination of UV light intensity, the sign and the strength of chirality, a polarization field with specific spatial structures can be generated, as proven by two prototypes capable of generating customized vortex. Rotation of the light polarization of a diffracted beam, manipulated by imposed patterned UV optical field, is proposed and examined in a photosensitive chiral nematic liquid crystal. Such operations can be performed dynamically and reversibly, by varying the UV intensity. It was revealed that the rotations are ascribed to an optical-field-induced chirality effect, where the helical structure in chiral nematics changes periodically in space in accordance with the UV intensity profile. Using continuum elastic theory and the optical Jones matrix technique, we determined the dependence of polarization orientation on UV intensity. By changing the polarity and magnitude of chirality in chiral nematics, UV light can control the orientation of the polarization state sweeping across the entire horizontal plane, making it possible for polarization converter applications. Proof-of-concept prototypes capable of generating customized vortex and vector beams are demonstrated, proving that by virtue of remote and precise control of the optical field, a polarization field with specific spatial structures can be generated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| Database: | Engineering Source |
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