Polarisation-independent blue-phase liquid crystal microlens array with different dielectric layer

ABSTRACT

A fast response (sub-milliseconds) and polarisation-independent blue-phase liquid crystal (BPLC) microlens array with periodical double layer electrodes using different dielectric layers is proposed. The bottom double layer electrodes are coated with transparent and different dielectric layers to generate linearly varying electric potential from the centre to the edge, while the top planar electrode iridium tin oxide (ITO) electrode has a constant potential. As a result, gradient vertical electric fields are generated, and a gradient refractive index profile is obtained. When the applied voltage is changed, the focal length of the BPLC microlens array can be tuned from ∞ to 12.05 mm while keep a low operating voltage (~35V_rms). Besides, the driving mode (simplification driving) and fabrication process (using printing method or mold-pressing method) of the BPLC microlens array is very simple. The simulation results show that the BPLC microlens array is insensitive to the polarisation of incident light while keeping parabolic-like phase profile.

Graphical Abstract

KEYWORDS:

• Blue-phase
• liquid crystal
• microlens array
• Kerr effect
• polarisation-independence

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

The work is supported by the National Key R&D Program of China under [Grant No. 2017YFB1002900] and in part by the Equipment Research Program in Advance of China [Grant No. JZX2017-1570/Y464].