Two-dimensional polarization rotator using a twisted-nematic liquid-crystal display
Abstract
We present a novel configuration for a twisted-nematic liquid-crystal display (TN-LCD) that makes it operate as a controllable polarization rotator. We extend a previously reported polarization rotator configuration using a zero-twist LCD inserted between two quarter-wave plates. We first operate the TN-LCD in the polarization eigenvector configuration and show how this system can act as an equivalent voltage-controlled wave plate. Next we incorporate this wave plate into the optical rotator configuration. We show that the plane of polarization of the transmitted light can be rotated as a function of the phase introduced by the display. Finally, we create a 2D polarization mask where different areas of the TN-LCD form different polarization states. Experimental results are included.
- Publication:
-
Applied Optics
- Pub Date:
- February 2007
- DOI:
- 10.1364/AO.46.000881
- Bibcode:
- 2007ApOpt..46..881M
- Keywords:
-
- Polarimetry;
- Liquid crystals;
- Liquid-crystal devices;
- Polarization-sensitive devices;
- Spatial light modulators;
- Polarization