# 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.

## Key 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.

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/1906.03469