Abstract
Polarization volume gratings (PVGs) based on chiral nematic liquid
crystals offer a great potential as polarization-dependent holographic
optical elements, but it is not easy to fabricate PVGs with varying
pattern periods in the transverse plane. Here, we fabricate a PVG with
an in-plane gradient of the pattern period by performing two-beam
interference photoalignment on a flexible polyimide substrate. The
pattern period varies depending on the local interference angle, which
is controlled by the bent shape of the flexible substrate. We
demonstrate fabrication of a PVG with a linearly graded sub-micrometer
period, showing the potential of the proposed method to fabricate
designer PVGs.
Funder
Japan Society for the Promotion of
Science
Adaptable and Seamless Technology
Transfer Program through Target-Driven R and D
Subject
Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics