Photoconductive Polymers in Liquid Crystal Spatial Light Modulators with High Resolution

Abstract

Abstract Various types of organic polymer photoconductors have been successfully used in optically addressed liquid crystal (LC) light valves based on the electrically controlled birefringence, optical activity, cholesteric-nematic phase transition, dynamic scattering, and polymer dispersed LC. Record regime optimization in projection or holographic manner is necessary to obtain the best device characteristics. The highest parameters obtained in the pulse holographic regime were diffraction efficiency of 36%, limiting resolutions of 1500 mm−1, and spectral sensitivity of 10−8 J/cm2 %. Photoconductive polymers themselves may be used for LC alignment simplifying the light valve construction. High aperture devices were realized side by side with the small ones. Polymer dispersed LC's connected with the photoconductive polymers allow for the realization of entirely solid state valves. High resolution, mechanical and elecrical stability, and the possibility for sensitization make the use of the polymer photoco...