Liquid crystal light deflecting devices based on nonuniform anchoring

Abstract

Tunable liquid crystal light deflecting devices based on nonuniform anchoring energy are proposed. These devices have uniform thicknesses of the layers they are composed of, and beam deviation is controlled with a uniform electrical field. Potential applicability of such an approach in beam deflectors and active lenses is investigated. It is shown that the approach is a competitive alternative to liquid crystal light deflecting devices, in which the needed spatial distribution of liquid crystal molecules is achieved either due to nonuniform thickness or due to generation of nonuniform electrical field.