Independent Multiple‐Optical‐Parameter Modulations Enabled by Manipulating the Separate Levels of a Hierarchical Structure

Abstract

Owing to their intrinsic multiple physical dimensions and high parallelism, photons are superior to electrons when they act as information carriers. The independent and dynamic spatial modulations of multiple optical parameters of light are highly pursued in vital fields such as supercomputing, constellation satellite and optical communications, virtual/augmented reality, and holographic displays. To date, it is still challenging to accomplish this urgent task with a single element. Here, multiple optical parameter modulations are carried out via manipulation of the separate levels of a hierarchical structure. Photopatterning, light irradiation, and an electric field are adopted to regulate the patterned crystallizations, lattice constants, and tilt angles of blue‐phase liquid crystals (BPLCs). As the optical parameters are associated with the individual structural features, it enables binary reflectance and spatial geometric phase modulations, reversable wavelength shifting, and continuous reflectance variations with excellent independency. This work unlocks the multi‐degree modulation of light and addresses the miniaturization, integration, and dynamic and multifunctional tendencies of rapidly growing optical informatics. Owing to its merits of omnidirectional, independent control, and dynamic response, it may dramatically upgrade the performance of existing optics.