Fringe field-tunable LC refractive index interface for in-plane beam steering applications.

We report on the electrically tunable optical structure based on dual-domain nematic liquid crystal (LC) alignment for in-plane beam steering applications. The device operates due to the total internal reflection of an extraordinary beam at the LC refractive index interface that separates homeotropic and planar-aligned nematics. Patterned electrodes were used in order to switch on the refractive index interface in the bulk of a planar-aligned LC layer.

Electrically controlled spatial-polarization switch based on patterned photoalignment of nematic liquid crystals.

A switching scheme for two orthogonal modes of laser radiation that is based on the total internal reflection effect realized at the interface of two liquid crystal regions with orthogonal director orientations is proposed. To create the photorefractive interface within the bulk of a liquid crystal, an original technique based on self-alignment of azo dye photoalignment and absorbing electrode patterns has been developed. Spatial separation of the orthogonally polarized light beams and their switching (when the positions of reflected and transmitted light beams are switched) due to the voltage applied has been experimentally realized.

Optical switch based on the electrically controlled liquid crystal interface.

The peculiarities of the linearly polarized light beam reflection at the interface within the bulk of a nematic liquid crystal (NLC) cell with different orientations of the director are analyzed. Two methods to create the interface are considered. Combination of the planar and homeotropic orientations of the NLC director is realized by means of a spatially structured electrode under the applied voltage.