Tunability in the polarization of light using nematic liquid crystal

Abstract

Birefringent materials have the effect of diminishing the degree of polarization (DOP) of light passing through them, a phenomenon often colloquially referred to as depolarization. Nematic liquid crystal (NLC) materials are known for their substantial birefringence, leading to significant retardation lengths. This unique property allows for a unique means of reducing DOP of partially coherent light. In this study, a NLC is used for its electro-optical capability to modify its birefringence, allowing it to tune the retardation length. This enables us to develop a variable DOP source with wide range of coherence properties of light. Furthermore, we examine the changes in the state of polarization (SOP) using this method, which serves as a valuable tool in various optical applications. In the current investigation, electrooptically controlled NLC is also utilized by varying the NLC thickness and coherence length of light beam.