Analog low-loss full-range phase modulation by utilizing a V-shaped switched ferroelectric liquid-crystal cell in reflective mode

Abstract

We have studied the analog (V-shaped switching) mode in ferroelectric liquid crystals in reflective mode for analog phase modulation applications. We have found that several combinations of cell thicknesses and input polarization states exist for which near-lossless analog phase modulation with a range of $\sim 2\pi \mathrm{rad}$ is obtained, and we demonstrate one such combination experimentally. Despite a slight deviation from the ideal conditions, e.g., the tilt angle was 38° instead of the desired 45°, virtually pure $1.6\pi \mathrm{rad}$ phase modulation was obtained; the measured values agree very well with our numerical simulations of the real device.

© 2006 Optical Society of America

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