Magazine Article

Digital Beam Deflectors Based Partly on Liquid Crystals

TBMG-11625

05/01/2007

Abstract
Content

A digital beam deflector based partly on liquid crystals has been demonstrated as a prototype of a class of optical beam-steering devices that contain no mechanical actuators or solid moving parts. Such beam-steering devices could be useful in a variety of applications, including free-space optical communications, switching in fiber-optic communications, general optical switching, and optical scanning. Liquid crystals are of special interest as active materials in nonmechanical beam steerers and deflectors because of their structural flexibility, low operating voltages, and the relatively low costs of fabrication of devices that contain them. Recent advances in synthesis of liquid-crystal materials and design of the nematic-liquid-crystal cells have resulted in significant improvements in properties (e.g., short response times and birefringence) that are important for effective beam steering.

Meta TagsDetails
Citation
"Digital Beam Deflectors Based Partly on Liquid Crystals," Mobility Engineering, May 1, 2007.
Additional Details
Publisher
Published
May 1, 2007
Product Code
TBMG-11625
Content Type
Magazine Article
Language
English