Direct optical observation of walls and disclination effects in active photonic devices
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2009
Abstract
Liquid crystal tunable Bragg Gratings defined in planar substrates via a laser patterning technique exhibit complex wavelength tuning. This tuning displays threshold points and hysteresis. These tuning features are shown to be a manifestation of physical processes occurring in the confined geometry of our tunable devices. Such physical processes include the formation and removal of line disclinations and an associated wall. We discuss the effect of walls in the liquid crystal with regards to voltage tuning characteristics and whether they may allow faster wavelength tuning.
Keywords
Bragg gratings liquid crystals optics wave-guides
Divisions
fac_eng
Publication Title
Molecular Crystals and Liquid Crystals
Volume
502
Additional Information
Snow, B. D. Adikan, F. R. M. Gates, J. C. Gawith, C. B. E. Dyadyusha, A. Major, Huw E. Kaczmarek, M. Smith, P. G. R. 2nd International Workshop on Liquid Crystals for Photonics Jul 20-22, 2008 Cambridge, ENGLAND