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Submillisecond response variable optical attenuator based on sheared polymer network liquid crystal

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Abstract

We demonstrate a variable optical attenuator (VOA) at λ=1.55 µm using a sheared polymer network liquid crystal (SPNLC). The SPNLC exhibits a fast response time and weak wavelength dependency. Comparing with other polymer-stabilized liquid crystals, the SPNLC has lower driving voltage and negligible light scattering loss when the wavelength exceeds 700 nm. A reflection type VOA with ~0.24 ms response time and -32 dB dynamic range is demonstrated at room temperature and 35 Vrms voltage.

©2004 Optical Society of America

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Figures (7)

Fig. 1.
Fig. 1. Shearing processes and LC domain orientations of the SPNLC film. (a) Before and (b) after shearing.
Fig. 2.
Fig. 2. The schematic diagram of a SPNLC-based VOA.
Fig. 3.
Fig. 3. The detailed operation mechanisms of the phase modulator module: (a) VOA ON state, V=0, and (b) VOA OFF state, V=35 Vrms. HW: half-wave plate, QW: quarter-wave plate, and SPNLC: sheared polymer network liquid crystal.
Fig. 4.
Fig. 4. The VOA attenuation at different drive voltages. λ=1.55 µm.
Fig. 5.
Fig. 5. Optical response time of the 9-µm SPNLC VOA: (a) decay time, and (b) rise time.
Fig. 6.
Fig. 6. Wavelength-dependent transmittance of the E7 SPNLC cell. d~9 µm.
Fig. 7.
Fig. 7. The wavelength-dependent attenuations of the VOA at different attenuation range.
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