Multichannel remote polarization control enabled by nanostructured liquid crystalline networks

Year: 2019

Authors: Zanotto S., Sgrignuoli F., Nocentini S., Martella D., Parmeggiani C., Wiersma DS.

Autors Affiliation: Scuola Normale Super Pisa, NEST, Piazza San Silvestro 12, I-56127 Pisa, Italy; CNR, Ist Nanosci, Piazza San Silvestro 12, I-56127 Pisa, Italy; Univ Firenze, Dipartimento Fis Astron, Via Sansone 1, I-50019 Sesto Fiorentino, FI, Italy; Boston Univ, Dept Elect & Comp Engn, 8 St Marys St, Boston, MA 02215 USA; Univ Firenze, European Lab Nonlinear Spect, LENS, Via Nello Carrara 1, I-50019 Sesto Fiorentino, FI, Italy; Ist Nazl Ric Metrol, Str Cacce 91, I-10135 Turin, Italy; CNR, Ist Nazl Ott, Via Nello Carrara 1, I-50019 Sesto Fiorentino, FI, Italy; Univ Firenze, Dipartimento Chim Ugo Schiff, Via Lastruccia 3-13, I-50019 Sesto Fiorentino, FI, Italy.

Abstract: n this article, we demonstrate that a grating fabricated through nanoscale volumetric cross-linking of a liquid crystalline polymer enables remote polarization control over the diffracted channels. This functionality is a consequence of the responsivity of liquid crystal networks upon light stimuli. Tuning of the photonic response of the device is achieved thanks to both a refractive index and a shape change of the grating elements induced by a molecular rearrangement under irradiation. In particular, the material anisotropy allows for nontrivial polarization state management over multiple beams. The absence of any liquid component and a time response down to 0.2 ms make our device appealing in the fields of polarimetry and optical communications.

Journal/Review: APPLIED PHYSICS LETTERS

Volume: 114 (20)      Pages from: 201103-1  to: 201103-5

More Information: The authors acknowledge funding from the European Commission (EU-H2020 GA 654148 “”Laserlab-Europe””) and Ente Cassa di Risparmio di Firenze (Grant No. 2015/0781).
KeyWords: METASURFACE; ELASTOMERS; PHOTO
DOI: 10.1063/1.5096648

Citations: 14
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