Electrically tunable microlens arrays based on polarization-independent optical phase of nano liquid crystal droplets dispersed in polymer matrix

Abstract

Electrically tunable focusing microlens arrays based on polarization independent optical phase of nano liquid crystal droplets dispersed in polymer matrix are demonstrated. Such an optical medium is optically isotropic which is so-called an optically isotropic liquid crystals (OILC). We not only discuss the optical theory of OILC, but also demonstrate polarization independent optical phase modulation based on the OILC. The experimental results and analytical discussion show that the optical phase of OILC microlens arrays results from mainly orientational birefringence which is much larger than the electric-field-induced birefringence (or Kerr effect). The response time of OILC microlens arrays is fast~5.3ms and the tunable focal length ranges from 3.4 mm to 3.8 mm. The potential applications are light field imaging systems, 3D integrating imaging systems and devices for augment reality.

P‐142: High Performance Optically Isotropic Liquid Crystal Display using Twisted Liquid Crystals for Flexible LCDs

“…1(b). When the voltage is applied to both devices, the LC molecules reorient along the field direction due to either the Kerr effect [11,12] or molecular orientations [13], so that an optical birefringence is induced, resulting in a bright state. However, we expect a slight increase in an operating voltage in the twisted-OILC because an additional electrical energy to unwind twisted LC is required.…”

35‐3: Polarization Dependent Switchable Micro‐lenticular Lens Arrays using Optically Isotropic Liquid Crystals

“…Obtained rise and decay response times for the micro-lenticular device is 0.99 ms & 2.8 ms, respectively, as depicted in Figure 6. This shows the responses time is faster as compared to the conventional LCD modes because the nano-sized LC droplets experience stronger anchoring force owing to an increased effective surface area of the LC to anchoring with polymer walls [7,12]. The fast response time of the device is feasible to head mounted or head up displays.…”

“…In addition, we also achieved reduced driving voltages by incorporating conductive materials into the OILC system [10]. Considering these advantages, few photonic devices includes polarization independent tunable microlens [11][12][13] and diffraction gratings [14,15] were developed. When compared to the conventional LC modes, the OILC is the potential candidate for developing the 2D/3D display and photonic devices.…”

Ferroelectric liquid crystals: Excellent tool for modern displays and photonics

“…Many researchers have presented several reports dealing with the phase modulation based on Kerr effect in PSBPLCs and cholesteric (Ch) LC. However, such alternative still needs to be matured up to the limit of acceptable performance for various applications …”