Single-Layered PDLC for Diffractive Optics

Abstract

The electrically and spatially controllable coherent light diffraction by single-layered polymer-dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) films is studied. Particularly, a wedge-formed thin film of E7/NOA65 microscale PDLC is examined. The PDLC single layer of thickness varying from a few micrometers to 25 μm contains liquid crystal (LC) droplets with double-truncated spherical shapes and a linear-gradient size distribution along the film length. The single-layer arrangement and compact packing of the micrometer-sized PDLC structure render the ellectrically-commanded coherent light diffraction controlled by LC/polymer interface.

Keywords:

• Coherent light diffraction
• gradient layers
• polymer-dispersed liquid crystals (PDLCs)
• single layers
• thin films

PACS:

• 42.25.Fx
• 42.70.Df
• 61.30.Gd
• 61.30.Pq
• 78.66.Qn

Acknowledgments

This study was supported by National Scientific Fund of the Bulgarian Ministry of education and Science under Grant No. Bin-5/07.