title: Hermaphroditic liquid-crystal microlens.
abstract: We demonstrate a flat microlens that exhibits hermaphroditic focusing properties. When the input polarization is parallel (perpendicular) to the liquid-crystal directors, the lens exhibits a positive (negative) focal length. To select the proper polarization, we could rotate the polarizer (or the lens) mechanically or by use of an electrically controlled twisted nematic liquid-crystal cell. Details of the lens structure and of the device's fabrication and performance are described.
authors.affiliation: College of Optics and Photonics, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida 32816, USA.
authors.forename: Hongwen
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Ren
authors.forename: Janet R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Wu
authors.forename: Yun-Hsing
authors.initials: YH
authors.lastname: Fan
authors.forename: Yi-Hsin
authors.initials: YH
authors.lastname: Lin
authors.forename: Shin-Tson
authors.initials: ST
authors.lastname: Wu