Abstract
A simple method for fabricating patternable micro-mirror devices by photo-induced alignment of dye-doped cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC) is demonstrated. The CLC texture can be changed from random distribution to nearly perfect planar by the photo-excited adsorbed dyes. This structure transformation leads to a substantial reflectivity increase. Using this photo-patterning technique, one- and two-dimensional micro-mirror arrays which function as gratings are also demonstrated.
Highlights
Cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC) is regarded as a one-dimensional photonic crystal because of its self-organized chiral structure
The cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC) texture can be changed from random distribution to nearly perfect planar by the photo-excited adsorbed dyes
The CLC layer is reconfigured to a planar structure and its reflectivity increases dramatically
Summary
Cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC) is regarded as a one-dimensional photonic crystal because of its self-organized chiral structure. Many applications of CLC devices for strong optical rotatory powers and selective reflection of circularly polarized light [1, 2], reflective liquid crystal displays [3,4,5,6,7], and photonic crystal lasers [8,9,10,11,12,13] have been proposed. We develop a simple photo-patterning method for controlling the reflectivity of the dye-doped CLC micro-photonic devices. By exposing the dye-doped CLC device with a green laser through a photomask, both one- and two-dimensional gratings are fabricated.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
