title: Submillisecond response variable optical attenuator based on sheared polymer network liquid crystal.
abstract: 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.
authors.forename: Yung-Hsun
authors.initials: YH
authors.lastname: Wu
authors.forename: Yi-Hsin
authors.initials: YH
authors.lastname: Lin
authors.forename: Yan-Qing
authors.initials: YQ
authors.lastname: Lu
authors.forename: Hongwen
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Ren
authors.forename: Yun-Hsing
authors.initials: YH
authors.lastname: Fan
authors.forename: Janet
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Wu
authors.forename: Shin-Tson
authors.initials: ST
authors.lastname: Wu