Electrically Switchable, One‐Dimensional Polymeric Resonators from Holographic Photopolymerization: A New Approach for Active Photonic Bandgap Materials

Abstract

Stimulated emission is demonstrated by optically pumping chromophores within the liquid‐crystal domains of 1D bandgap structures that are derived from holographic polymer‐dispersed liquid‐crystal (H‐PDLC) gratings (see Figure). Electrically switchable laser resonance is also possible using the H‐PDLC, since applying an electric field across the grating aligns the directors of the liquid crystal, diminishing the refractive index profile and, consequently, the lasing action.