Polarization-independent phase modulators enabled by two-photon polymerization

This is the authors' abstract. We don't add key points for this paper.

A double-layer polarization-independent liquid crystal (LC) phase modulator is demonstrated and characterized. Using two-photon polymerization process, an ultra-thin partition polymeric film to separate the LC cell into two layers with orthogonal alignment directions is fabricated. Such a thin partition film also helps to reduce the voltage shielding effect. Using a high birefringence and low viscosity LC mixture, 2π phase change at merely 10 V for a He-Ne laser beam is achieved, while keeping a fast response time. Simulation result agrees reasonably well with experimental data.