Electro-optic Telecommunication Devices at 1550 nm Employing Electroclinic and Ferroelectric Switching of an Organosiloxane Liquid Crystal

Abstract

ABSTRACT We demonstrate three electro-optic telecommunication devices operating at a wavelength λ = 1550 nm: an optical switch or modulator, a variable attenuator, and a rotatable waveplate. These devices make use of the electroclinic and ferroelectric properties of a chiral smectic organosiloxane liquid crystal. Under moderate electric fields of ≤23 V/μm we observed an optical power modulation of up to 38 dB and a switching time of ∼100 μs. The waveplate could be continuously rotated over 38°. We also present birefringence data of this liquid crystal at λ = 1550 nm as a function of temperature and the implications on the development of liquid crystal telecommunication devices.