Continuous modulation of geometric phase via electrically tuning the in-plane orientation of nematic liquid crystal

ABSTRACT

Holographic display requires thinner liquid crystal cell for smaller pixels and fast response. In this paper, a continuous geometric phase modulation method realised by electrically tuning a dual in-plane-switching (IPS) LCD is proposed. Firstly, the function of geometric phase modulation and the driving voltage is obtained via numerical simulation. Secondly, a dual IPS liquid crystal cells is designed and fabricated, and by using it, the experimental data is measured. Lastly, the simulation and test results are matched, which show good consistence with each other, and a phase modulation range of near $2\pi$ is achieved. By using the method, the phase modulation quantity is not only independent of the thickness of liquid crystal layer, but can be achieved almost 360° continuous modulation of the geometric phase. This method paves an avenue towards dynamic geometric phase modulation of light, which is meaningful for large field of view and colourful holographic display.

Graphical abstract

KEYWORDS:

• Geometric phase
• phase modulation
• liquid crystal
• dual cell

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This research was funded by the National Key Research and Development Program of China [2017YFB1002902], National Natural Science Foundation of China [61475199], and Chongqing Science and Technology Commission [cstc2019jscx-mbdxX0019].