Nano-Size Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystals for Phase-Only Optical Modulation

Abstract

In this work we report the preparation details and the electro-optical characterization of a new class of nanometer-sized PDLC obtained by using a multifunctional monomer in a pre-polymer mixture which is suitable for fast polymerization process. A systematic analysis of the sample morphology has been carried out on a large number of samples characterized by different values of the photoinitiator concentration and curing parameters. These samples have high transparency to the visible light. However, reorientation of the liquid crystal domains due to the application of a suitable voltage can affect the optical phase shift making these materials suitable as polarization independent "phase only" optical modulators.