Wavelength-insensitive Liquid Crystal Optical Switch for Multi- or Single-mode Fiber Optics Communication

Abstract

We propose a wavelength-insensitive optical switch using twist nematic liquid crystals (TNLCs) for multimode or single-mode fiber communication system applications. Based on the simple and widely used liquid crystal display (LCD) structure, the optical switch has the potential advantages such as being inexpensive, with simple fabrication processes, and easy mass production. The operation of the liquid crystal (LC) optical switch is described by the Jones matrix. In our experiments, the preferable operating frequency of the device from 0.1 kHz to 10 kHz ac wave is measured. The critical and saturated voltage are as low as 3 V rms , and 5.8 V rms , respectively. The high extinction ratio about 28.3 dB is also obtained.