Creation and Characterization of Optically-Switched Multistable Liquid Crystal Waveplates
By Kalib
An arbitrary waveplate cell is developed by controlling the twisted structure of nematic liquid crystals with a thin azobenzene-derivative dye alignment layer. A multistable cell is achieved via polarizing alignment of the dye layer, rather than traditional bistable photoswitching. The alignment adjusts the twist of the liquid crystal cell, resulting in an arbitrary and controllable optical retardation. Changes were observed and quantitatively measured under cross polarizers. Demonstrated are long-term stable cells with high transmittance that may be arbitrarily set and readjusted. Fully optical control of the cell is achieved with no electrical intermediate required.