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

Abstract

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.