Linear to axial or radial polarization conversion using a liquid crystal gel

摘要

Two types of liquid crystal (LC) gels with radial or twisted-radial molecular orientation are fabricated using a radial electric field generated by an indium-tin-oxide hole electrode in the bottom substrate. If the top substrate is not buffed, the radial-type LC gel is formed which can convert linearly polarized light into axially polarized light. On the other hand, if the top substrate is homogeneously buffed, then a twisted-radial LC gel is produced which can convert linearly polarized light into radially polarized light. These polarization converters are useful for diffractive optics and optical imaging systems.