Polarization-independent and fast-response phase modulators using double-layered liquid crystal gels

A polarization-independent phase modulator using two thin homogeneously stratified but orthogonally oriented liquid crystal (LC) gels is demonstrated. In addition to polarization independence and submillisecond response time, the LC gel possesses a much larger phase change and lower operating voltage than the nanosized polymer-dispersed liquid crystal. For a 16μm transmissive E48 LC gel, the phase shift exceeds 1π at λ=633nm with an electric field strength of ∼11Vrms∕μm. Potential applications of such a phase modulator for laser beam steering, microlens array, and switchable two- and three-dimensional LC displays are foreseeable.