Polarization Holographic Patterned Alignment of Nematic Liquid Crystals

ABSTRACT

We have successfully demonstrated a new way to pattern the alignment of liquid crystals using a linear photopolymerizable polymer (LPP) alignment layer with a polarization interference holographic exposure. This exposure method establishes a continuously periodic alignment of liquid crystals on the micrometer scale. In this contribution we show the various liquid crystal configurations that can be achieved through technique that have potential switchable diffractive optics applications.

Keywords:

• alignment layer
• holographic gratings
• photopolymerizable polymers

Acknowledgments

J. N. E. and G. P. C. acknowledge support for 3M, and G. P. C. acknowledges NSF Grant (ECS-0322878).