Electrically switchable holograms containing novel PDLC structures

Lalgudi V. Natarajan; Richard L. Sutherland; Vincent P. Tondiglia; Timothy J. Bunning; R. M. Neal

doi:10.1117/12.290764

30 October 1997 Electrically switchable holograms containing novel PDLC structures

Lalgudi V. Natarajan, Richard L. Sutherland, Vincent P. Tondiglia, Timothy J. Bunning, R. M. Neal

Proceedings Volume 3143, Liquid Crystals; (1997) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.290764
Event: Optical Science, Engineering and Instrumentation '97, 1997, San Diego, CA, United States

Abstract

Switchable holograms offer the possibility of real-time electro-optical control of diffractive optic components. We have recently demonstrated recording of diffractive optic components. We have recently demonstrated recording of transmission holographic Bragg gratings in a material system consisting of a photoinitiator dye, co-initiator, a chain extender, a multifunctional acrylate and a low molecular weight nematic liquid crystal. Low voltage scanning electron microscopy studies have shown that the gratings consist of periodic polymer-dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) planes. Electrical switching of a first order Bragg diffracted beam into the zero-order with an applied field of 10 V/micrometers was observed. Addition of a surfactant to the pre-polymer syrup reduces the switching field to approximately 5 V/micrometers . Fast response times of the order of microseconds were observed for switching and relaxation. In this paper, we have demonstrated the concept of a switchable guided substrate-mode coupler by writing a slanted transmission grating. The diffracted light form this grating is trapped in a glass slab by total internal reflection. The added electrical switchability of PDLC grating allows for the effective control of the intensity and position for light into or out of the substrate.

Citation Download Citation

Lalgudi V. Natarajan, Richard L. Sutherland, Vincent P. Tondiglia, Timothy J. Bunning, and R. M. Neal "Electrically switchable holograms containing novel PDLC structures", Proc. SPIE 3143, Liquid Crystals, (30 October 1997); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.290764

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available