Paper 13354-37
Paper 13354-37
Laser-written liquid crystal devices for non-mechanical beam steering
30 January 2025 • 10:30 AM - 10:45 AM PST | Moscone South, Room 201 (Level 2)
Abstract
We present a platform for manufacturing tuneable and switchable optical elements with very simple drive electronics. Two-photon polymerization direct laser writing is used to structure the director profile of a polymerizable liquid crystal in 3-dimensions to form a blazed grating. As the non-laser written regions of the LC remain electrically switchable, the overall device can be electrically tuned. Here we demonstrate a blazed grating that can be electrically tuned to selectively steer an incident beam into 3 different orders with a high (⪆ 70%) diffraction efficiency. We further demonstrate its tunability over the 490nm to 780nm wavelength range. Finally, we discuss the scalability of these devices for both extended and additional functionality.
Presenter
Univ. of Oxford (United Kingdom)
Camron is a DPhil student working on nanoscale fabrication techniques in liquid crystals using ultrafast laser technology for applications in optics and photonics, with a particular focus on optical vortex generation and beam steering.
Prior to starting his DPhil, Camron Completed an MEng in Engineering Science at Worcester College, Oxford, where he specialised in optoelectronics. He has also worked at the University of Birmingham as a research assistant, where he contributed to research into Quantum Gravimetry.