Multichannel remote polarization control enabled by nanostructured Liquid Crystalline Networks

TL;DR

This paper presents a nanostructured liquid crystalline network device that enables remote, rapid polarization control of multiple optical channels through light-induced shape and refractive index changes.

Contribution

It introduces a nanoscale grating fabricated from liquid crystalline polymers that allows for fast, remote polarization tuning of multiple diffracted beams.

Findings

Achieves polarization control with response time of 0.2 ms

Enables nontrivial polarization management over multiple beams

Operates without liquid components, enhancing stability

Abstract

In this article we demonstrate that a grating fabricated through nanoscale volumetric crosslinking 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 the photonic response of the device is obtained 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. Absence of any liquid component and a time response down to 0.2 milliseconds make our device appealing in the fields of polarimetry and optical communications.