Abstract

Based on the Jones matrix representation of twisted nematic liquid crystals (LC’s), we have carried out a theoretical analysis of the polarization properties of inversely twisted nematic (ITN) LC gratings. Some interesting polarization behaviors are expected in the ITN LC grating. When a linearly polarized light parallel or perpendicular to the grating direction is incident on the ITN LC grating, the diffracted light in the 0th order is linearly polarized with the same polarization direction of incident light, while the diffracted light in high orders is linearly polarized perpendicular to that of incident light. Using a multirubbing alignment technique, we have practically prepared an ITN LC grating with ±45° inversely twisted structures. The experimental investigations of the optical characteristics of the ITN LC grating demonstrate agreement with theoretical expectations.

© 1998 Optical Society of America

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