Submillisecond response variable optical attenuator based on sheared polymer network liquid crystal.
We demonstrate a variable optical attenuator (VOA) at lambda=1.55 microm 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.
Wu
Yung-Hsun
YH
Lin
Yi-Hsin
YH
Lu
Yan-Qing
YQ
Ren
Hongwen
H
Fan
Yun-Hsing
YH
Wu
Janet
J
Wu
Shin-Tson
ST