Optical Switches Using Ferroelectric Liquid Crystals.
Abstract
This invention comprises a new group of fiber optic switching devices that use layers of surface-established ferroelectric liquid crystals (FLCs) as the switching media. In each of the devices light impinges upon the ferroelectric liquid crystal a an angle of 90 degrees (normal incidence) with the surface plane. Each FLC gives 0 degrees or 90 degree optical rotation, depending upon he polarity of the electric voltage applied. A series of polarizing beam splitters are used to separate unpolarized light into its s and p polarization components. After ferroelectric liquid crystal switching, other polarizing beam splitters are used to direct the s and p light to output optical paths. The switches discussed include voltage controlled 2 x 2, 1 x 4, 1 x 6, 1 x 8, 4 x 4 and dual plane devices that use one or more layers of surface stabilized ferroelectric liquid crystals to direct optical signals. Patent application. (jhd)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 15, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADD014100
Entities
People
- Richard Soref
Organizations
- United States Department of the Air Force