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Luo WC, Xu YD, Yu GX, Li SS, Li HY, Chen LJ. Reconfigurable polymer-templated liquid crystal holographic gratings via visible-light recording. OPTICS EXPRESS 2020; 28:17307-17319. [PMID: 32679941 DOI: 10.1364/oe.392992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Polymer-templated nematic liquid crystal (LC) holographic gratings via visible-light recording are presented in the presence of reactive mesogens (RMs) and rose bengal (RB)/N-phenylglycine (NPG) photoinitiation systems. By optimizing the concentration of RMs in the polymer-templated LC gratings, the template after being washed out can be refilled with suitable fluidic components. And the dependence of the first-order diffraction efficiency (DE) on the concentration of RB and NPG molecules was discussed in detail. The polarization-dependency of diffraction properties was also investigated. It is revealed that the diffractive behaviors of polymer-templated LC gratings can be dynamically reconfigured by varying temperature or refilling organic solutions with different refractive index (RI). Furthermore, the potential for recording holograms using green light is explored. We expect that the reconfigurable polymer-templated LC gratings fabricated via visible-light interference would provide a facile approach to regulate the diffraction properties of holographic gratings apart from electric field, thus paving a way towards a class of novel anti-counterfeiting devices.
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Complex Diffractive Optical Elements Stored in Photopolymers. Polymers (Basel) 2019; 11:polym11121920. [PMID: 31766539 PMCID: PMC6960652 DOI: 10.3390/polym11121920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Revised: 11/15/2019] [Accepted: 11/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
We study the recording of complex diffractive elements, such as achromatic lenses, fork gratings or axicons. Using a 3-D diffusion model, previously validated, we are able to predict the behavior of photopolymer during recording. The experimental recording of these complex elements is possible thanks to a new generation spatial light modulator capable of generating periodic and aperiodic profiles. Both experimental and theoretical are analyzed and compared. The results show not only the good response of theoretical model to predict the behavior of the materials, but also the viability of photopolymers to store these kind of elements.
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Kim IC, Kim TH, Lee SH, Kim BS. Extremely Foldable and Highly Transparent Nanofiber-Based Electrodes for Liquid Crystal Smart Devices. Sci Rep 2018; 8:11517. [PMID: 30069032 PMCID: PMC6070569 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-29940-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Accepted: 07/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The nylon 6 nanofiber-reinforced cellulose acetate (NF-r-CA) film as a fiber-based transparent substrate is used to develop the highly transparent electrodes with excellent durable and extremely foldable properties. Mechanical properties of the NF-r-CA films are greatly improved, suggesting that the nanofibers provide an effective reinforcement. The NF-r-CA transparent films show smooth surface morphologies (RRMS ~ 27 nm) than as-spun nylon 6 nanofiber membrane, indicating the successful infiltration of cellulose acetate into the voids of nylon nanofiber membranes. The NF45-r-CA electrodes prepared using AgNWs concentration of 0.025 wt% and electrospinning time of 45 min are highly transparent (~90%), lower sheet resistance (~24 Ω sq-1) and mechanically robust (59.7 MPa). The sheet resistance of NF45-r-CA electrodes remains almost constant, and the change ratio is less than 0.01% even after a repeated bending test of 10,000 cycles (bending radius ~1 mm), whereas ITO electrode shows gradual increase in sheet resistance and then eventually no electrical signal at about 270 cycles. We also demonstrate the successful fabrication of the foldable polymer-disperse liquid crystal film utilizing highly transparent NF45-r-CA electrode, which shows outstanding working stability after bending test of 500 cycles at an extreme bending radius of 1.5 mm.
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Affiliation(s)
- In Chul Kim
- Department of Organic Materials & Fiber Engineering, Chonbuk National University, 567 Baekje-daero, Deokjin-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeollabuk-do, 54896, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae-Hyung Kim
- Graduate School of Flexible & Printable Electronics Engineering, Chonbuk National University, 567 Baekje-daero, Deokjin-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeollabuk-do, 54896, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Hee Lee
- Department of Polymer-Nano Science and Technology, Chonbuk National University, 567 Baekje-daero, Deokjin-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeollabuk-do, 54896, Republic of Korea. .,Department of BIN Convergence Technology, Chonbuk National University, 567 Baekje-daero, Deokjin-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeollabuk-do, 54896, Republic of Korea.
| | - Byoung-Suhk Kim
- Department of Organic Materials & Fiber Engineering, Chonbuk National University, 567 Baekje-daero, Deokjin-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeollabuk-do, 54896, Republic of Korea. .,Department of BIN Convergence Technology, Chonbuk National University, 567 Baekje-daero, Deokjin-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeollabuk-do, 54896, Republic of Korea.
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Artificial Structural Color Pixels: A Review. MATERIALS 2017; 10:ma10080944. [PMID: 28805736 PMCID: PMC5578310 DOI: 10.3390/ma10080944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2017] [Revised: 08/10/2017] [Accepted: 08/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Inspired by natural photonic structures (Morpho butterfly, for instance), researchers have demonstrated varying artificial color display devices using different designs. Photonic-crystal/plasmonic color filters have drawn increasing attention most recently. In this review article, we show the developing trend of artificial structural color pixels from photonic crystals to plasmonic nanostructures. Such devices normally utilize the distinctive optical features of photonic/plasmon resonance, resulting in high compatibility with current display and imaging technologies. Moreover, dynamical color filtering devices are highly desirable because tunable optical components are critical for developing new optical platforms which can be integrated or combined with other existing imaging and display techniques. Thus, extensive promising potential applications have been triggered and enabled including more abundant functionalities in integrated optics and nanophotonics.
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Wei BY, Hu W, Ming Y, Xu F, Rubin S, Wang JG, Chigrinov V, Lu YQ. Generating switchable and reconfigurable optical vortices via photopatterning of liquid crystals. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2014; 26:1590-1595. [PMID: 24375499 DOI: 10.1002/adma.201305198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2013] [Revised: 11/12/2013] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Liquid-crystal fork gratings are demonstrated through photopatterning realized on a DMD-based microlithography system. This supplies a new strategy for generating fast switchable, reconfigurable, wavelength-tolerant and polarization-insensitive optical vortices. The technique has great potential in broad fields such as OAM-based quantum computations, optical communications, and micromanipulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing-yan Wei
- National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures and College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
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Liquid-Crystal-Enabled Active Plasmonics: A Review. MATERIALS 2014; 7:1296-1317. [PMID: 28788515 PMCID: PMC5453087 DOI: 10.3390/ma7021296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2014] [Revised: 02/01/2014] [Accepted: 02/12/2014] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Liquid crystals are a promising candidate for development of active plasmonics due to their large birefringence, low driving threshold, and versatile driving methods. We review recent progress on the interdisciplinary research field of liquid crystal based plasmonics. The research scope of this field is to build the next generation of reconfigurable plasmonic devices by combining liquid crystals with plasmonic nanostructures. Various active plasmonic devices, such as switches, modulators, color filters, absorbers, have been demonstrated. This review is structured to cover active plasmonic devices from two aspects: functionalities and driven methods. We hope this review would provide basic knowledge for a new researcher to get familiar with the field, and serve as a reference for experienced researchers to keep up the current research trends.
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Dai HT, Liu YJ, Luo D, Sun XW. Propagation properties of an optical vortex carried by an Airy beam: experimental implementation. OPTICS LETTERS 2011; 36:1617-1619. [PMID: 21540946 DOI: 10.1364/ol.36.001617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
In this Letter, we experimentally studied the propagation dynamics of Airy beams (AiBs) carrying phase singularity or an optical vortex (OV). A 3/2 phase mask encoded with phase singularity was used to generate AiBs and OVs enjoying precise position alignment and compact optical configuration simultaneously. Experimental results showed that the OV deflection velocity was faster than that of the main lobe of the AiB, agreeing with the analytical prediction. Numerical simulation results are also in agreement with the experimental results. Furthermore, OVs with larger topological charges were also studied experimentally with the same approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- H T Dai
- Department of Applied Physics, School of Science, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
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Liu YJ, Dai HT, Sun XW. Holographic fabrication of azo-dye-functionalized photonic structures. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011. [DOI: 10.1039/c0jm03368e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
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Dai HT, Sun XW, Luo D, Liu YJ. Airy beams generated by a binary phase element made of polymer-dispersed liquid crystals. OPTICS EXPRESS 2009; 17:19365-19370. [PMID: 19997157 DOI: 10.1364/oe.17.019365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Using polymer-dispersed liquid crystals (PDLCs), an electrically switchable binary phase pattern was fabricated to generate Airy beams through a programmable lithographic system. The right main lobe of the reconstructed Airy beam experienced 1.3 mm transverse deflection within 24 cm propagation distance. With a suitable voltage applied, the binary PDLC pattern can be erased due to the index match between polymers and liquid crystals. This versatile approach can be also used to generate other special beams with electrically tunable capability.
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Affiliation(s)
- H T Dai
- School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798, Singapore
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Liu YJ, Dai HT, Sun XW, Huang TJ. Electrically switchable phase-type fractal zone plates and fractal photon sieves. OPTICS EXPRESS 2009; 17:12418-12423. [PMID: 19654643 DOI: 10.1364/oe.17.012418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Electrically switchable phase-type fractal zone plates and fractal photon sieves were fabricated using polymer-dispersed liquid crystal material based on a photomask. While both exhibited similar first-order diffraction behavior, the fractal photon sieves showed greatly suppressed diffraction at higher orders. Compared with current amplitude-type photomasks, our switchable, phase-type devices demonstrated higher diffraction efficiency, an important factor in the future development of adaptive optics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Jun Liu
- Department of Engineering Science and Mechanics, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, USA
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Luo D, Sun XW, Liu YJ, Dai HT, Sheng OY, Breese MBH, Raszewski Z. Electrically switchable computer-generated hologram using a liquid crystal cell with a proton beam patterned polymethylmethacrylate substrate. APPLIED OPTICS 2009; 48:3766-3770. [PMID: 19571935 DOI: 10.1364/ao.48.003766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
An electrically switchable computer-generated hologram (CGH) was fabricated using a liquid crystal (LC) cell. A polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) film, which was spin-coated on one glass substrate of the LC cell, was patterned by a focused 2 MeV proton beam with a CGH phase pattern (2 microm resolution). With an applied voltage on the LC cell CGH sample, an index modulation was produced between the regions with and without PMMA because of the reorientation of LC molecules under the external electric field. The maximum diffraction efficiency measured was about 28.7%. The operating voltage was below 15 V(rms).
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Affiliation(s)
- D Luo
- School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798, Singapore
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