This PDF file contains the front matter associated with SPIE Proceedings Volume 9769, including the Title Page, Copyright information, Table of Contents, Introduction, and Conference Committee listing.

We review recent experiments on the fast and ultrafast all-optical control of light in bulk nematic and smectic-A liquid crystals. Ultrafast optical control at sub-picosecond time scalecan be achieved via the optical Kerr response of a nematic liquid crystal. We show that the refractive index changes are of the order of 10^-4 in 5CB nematic liquid crystal and can be optically induced by applying 100 fs pulses of 4 mJ/cm² fluence. We discuss stimulated emission depletion of fluorescence in a smectic-A liquid crystal and demonstrate nanosecond light control of fluorescent pulse shaping. Both methods could be applied to control light by light in future photonic devices based on liquid crystals.

In general, color filter is an optical component to permit the transmission of a specific color in cameras, displays, and microscopes. Each filter has its own unchangeable color because it is made by chemical materials such as dyes and pigments. Therefore, in order to express various colorful images in a display, one pixel should have three sub-pixels of red, green, and blue colors. Here, we suggest new plasmonic structure and method to change the color in a single pixel. It is comprised of a cavity and a metal nanoaperture. The optical cavity generally supports standing waves inside it, and various standing waves having different wavelength can be confined together in one cavity. On the other hand, although light cannot transmit sub-wavelength sized aperture, surface plasmons can propagate through the metal nanoaperture with high intensity due to the extraordinary transmission. If we combine the two structures, we can organize the spatial distribution of amplitudes according to wavelength of various standing waves using the cavity, and we can extract a light with specific wavelength and amplitude using the nanoaperture. Therefore, this cavity-aperture structure can simultaneously tune the color and intensity of the transmitted light through the single nanoaperture. We expect that the cavity-apertures have a potential for dynamic color pixels, micro-imaging system, and multiplexed sensors.

Real-space images of bulk cholesteric blue phases (BPs) have been successfully obtained by confocal microscopy observations using structural color without doping fluorescent dye. However, theoretical interpretation of these images (for example, the understanding of the relation between intensity distribution and the ordering of BPs) remains challenging because typical lattice spacing of BPs is of the order of the wavelength of visible light, and therefore geometrical optics is entirely useless. In this work, we present a numerical approach to calculate the confocal images of BPs by solving the Maxwell equations. Calculated confocal images are consistent with experimental observations in terms of in-plane symmetry.

Three selected approaches for manipulation of light by complex nematic colloidal and non-colloidal structures are presented using different own custom developed theoretical and modelling approaches. Photonic crystals bands of distorted cholesteric liquid crystal helix and of nematic colloidal opals are presented, also revealing distinct photonic modes and density of states. Light propagation along half-integer nematic disclinations is shown with changes in the light polarization of various winding numbers. As third, simulated light transmission polarization micrographs of nematic torons are shown, offering a new insight into the complex structure characterization. Finally, this work is a contribution towards using complex soft matter in optics and photonics for advanced light manipulation.

We report on photo-thermal effects observed in gold nanoparticles (GNPs) dispersed in Nematic Liquid Crystals (NLCs). Under a suitable optical radiation, GNPs exhibit a strong light absorption/scattering; the effect depends on the refractive index of the medium surrounding the nanoparticles, which can be electrically or optically tuned. In this way, the system represents an ideal nano-source of heat, remotely controllable by light to adjust the temperature at the nanoscale. Photo-induced temperature variations in GNPs dispersed in NLCs have been investigated by implementing a theoretical model based on the thermal heating equation applied to an anisotropic medium; theoretical predictions have been compared with results of experiments carried out in a NLC medium hosting GNPs. Both theory and experiments represent a step forward to understand the physics of heat production at the nanoscale, with applications that range from photonics to nanomedicine.

Topological defects determine many static and dynamic properties of liquid crystals. They are mainly studied by optical microscopy, which cannot reveal the detailed structure of the defect core, where the deformations are too strong to sustain the usual type of order. The size of the core in most of liquid crystals is in the range of 1-10 nanometers, which calls for imaging techniques with resolution much higher than the optical one. Here we summarize and discuss results of Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) nanoscale imaging of defects in several layered liquid crystals built of rod- and bent-shaped molecules. We will present and analyze structures of edge and screw dislocations, twist and tilt grain boundaries of smectic layers. Topological defects have large impact on optical properties of the LCs and understanding their nanoscale properties will help us structuring them for optical applications.

In this paper, liquid crystal lens (LC-lens) array was utilized in 3D bio-medical applications including 3D endoscope and light field microscope. Comparing with conventional plastic lens array, which was usually placed in 3D endoscope or light field microscope system to record image disparity, our LC-lens array has higher flexibility of electrically changing its focal length. By using LC-lens array, the working distance and image quality of 3D endoscope and microscope could be enhanced. Furthermore, the 2D/3D switching ability could be achieved if we turn off/on the electrical power on LClens array. In 3D endoscope case, a hexagonal micro LC-lens array with 350um diameter was placed at the front end of a 1mm diameter endoscope. With applying electric field on LC-lens array, the 3D specimen would be recorded as from seven micro-cameras with different disparity. We could calculate 3D construction of specimen with those micro images. In the other hand, if we turn off the electric field on LC-lens array, the conventional high resolution 2D endoscope image would be recorded. In light field microscope case, the LC-lens array was placed in front of the CMOS sensor. The main purpose of LC-lens array is to extend the refocusing distance of light field microscope, which is usually very narrow in focused light field microscope system, by montaging many light field images sequentially focusing on different depth. With adjusting focal length of LC-lens array from 2.4mm to 2.9mm, the refocusing distance was extended from 1mm to 11.3mm. Moreover, we could use a LC wedge to electrically shift the optics axis and increase the resolution of light field.

The advantages of LC photoalignment technology in comparison with common “rubbing” alignment methods tend to the continuation of the research in this field. Almost all the criteria of perfect LC alignment are met in case of azo-dye layers. Nowadays azo-dye alignment materials can be already used in LCD manufacturing, e.g. for the alignment of monomers in LCP films for new generations of photonics and optics devices. Recently the new application of photoaligned technology for the tunable LC lenses with a variable focal distance was proposed. New optically rewritable (ORW) liquid crystal display and photonics devices with a light controllable structure may include LC E-paper screens, LC lenses with a variable focal distance etc. Fast ferroelectric liquid crystal devices (FLCD) are achieved through the application of nano-scale photo aligning (PA) layers in FLC cells. The novel photoaligned FLC devices may include field sequential color (FSC) FLC with a high resolution, high brightness, low power consumption and extended color gamut to be used for PCs, PDAs, switchable goggles, and new generation of switchable 2D/3D LCD TVs, as well as photonics elements.

Within the index matching framework, the overview of two architectures of liquid crystal (LC)-based lenticular lens arrays developed previously is given. The first type exhibits the polarization-dependent focusing effect which comes from the index matching between a polymer convex lens structure on the bottom substrate and a LC on it. It shows the high quality two-dimensional image and the focusing effect depending on the polarization of the incident light. The second type is capable of laterally shifting the focusing effect in a complementary geometry of a convex lens on the bottom substrate and a concave lens on the other. The lateral offset between the centers of both lenses was one half of lens pitch such that the lateral shift of the focusing effect is spontaneously achieved at either the interface of LC-concave lens or that of LC-convex lens. The two architectures of the LC-based lenticular lenses would be applicable for devising a new class of advanced 2D-3D convertible systems.

Most liquid crystal devices use transparent conductive electrodes such as indium tin oxide (ITO) to apply a potential difference in order to achieve electro-optic switching. As an alternative, we study a device with narrow metallic electrodes in combination with dielectric layers with large dielectric permittivity. In this approach the applied voltage can be a continuous function of the lateral distance from the electrode line. Simulations for a one-dimensional beam-steering device show that the switching of the liquid crystal (LC) director depends indeed on the distance from the addressing electrodes and on the value of the relative permittivity. We show that in a device with electrodes spaced 60 µm apart, the LC director halfway between the electrodes shows a considerable reorientation, when a dielectric layer with permittivity of Epsilon_r = 550 is used, whereas no reorientation is observed for the uncoated reference sample at the same voltage. An added advantage is that the proposed configuration only contains dielectric materials, without resistive losses, which means that almost no heat is dissipated. This indicates that this technology could be used in low-power LC devices. The results show that using dielectric thin films with high relative permittivity in liquid crystal devices could form a cost-efficient and low-power alternative to many LC technologies where a gradient electric field is desirable.

Liquid crystals (LCs) are very attractive hosts for the organization of anisotropic nanoparticles such as carbon nanotubes (CNTs) because of the macroscopic organization resulting in properties of nanoparticles manifest at a macroscopic scale. Different types of LCs have demonstrated the ability to organize nanotubes, showing the generality of the approach, i.e., that the liquid crystallinity per se is the driving factor for the organization. Compared to standard nanotube composites (e.g. with disordered polymer hosts) the introduction of carbon nanotubes into an LC allows not only the transfer of the outstanding CNT properties to the macroscopic phase, providing strength and conductivity, but these properties also become anisotropic, following the transfer of the orientational order from the LC to the CNTs. The LC molecular structure plays an important even if ancillary role since it enters in the surface interactions, fulfilling a mediating action between the particle and the bulk of the LC. Isolated nanotubes can be obtained by optimized dispersions at lower concentrations and this process requires the use or development of tailored strategies like using solvents or even another LC for pre-dispersing CNTs. Aggregates or networks can be observed in poor dispersions and at higher nanoparticle concentrations. In those, due to surface interactions, the LC behaviour can be strongly affected with changes in phase sequences or transition temperatures and the effect is expected to be more pronounced as the concentration of nanotubes increases. We present preliminary investigations and observations on nanotube – LC systems based on a smectic LC host.

The efficiency of the conduction of photocurrent in discotic liquid crystals is known to depend on the quality of the columnar organization. Solvents have shown to be able to influence the formation of wire structures on substrates promoting very long and ordered wired formations or bulkier structures depending on the affinity of the solvent with parts of the molecular structure of discotics. Here we present a study on the effect of solvents when the liquid crystal is confined between two substrates with the columns running perpendicular to them, geometry used in solar cells. We focused on toluene and dodecane, solvents that have shown to promote on substrates the formation of aligned and long nanowires and bulk large and isolated fibers, respectively. The phase transition behavior indicates that toluene does not interfere with the columnar formation while dodecane strongly influence increasing the disorder in the structure.

We recently demonstrated that colloidal crystal arrangements of monodisperse droplets or shells of planar-aligned cholesteric liquid crystal exhibit intricate patterns of circularly polarized reflection spots of different colors. The spots appear as a result of photonic cross communication between droplets, hence the patterns reflect the macroscopic arrangement of droplets or shells. Apart from being an interesting optical phenomenon, it offers attractive application opportunities in photonics and beyond, due to the unique characteristics of the patterns. It turns out that the optical quality of shells is much enhanced compared to that of droplets, hence we focus our attention primarily on shells, of varying thickness. Here we analyze and explain the intriguing textures arising when studying planar-aligned short-pitch cholesteric shells in transmission polarizing optical microscopy. In this case, the texture reflects the properties of each individual shell, without any sign of cross communication, yet also this pattern holds some fascinating mysteries. These can only be elucidated by considering all the peculiar optical properties of cholesterics together, as well as the unusual situation given by the spherical shell geometry.

Recently, see-through displays have been attracted much attention as next-generation displays. There are two basic technologies by which we can realize a see-through display: organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) and liquid crystal (LC) displays. The pixel structure of a see-through display includes a transparent window area through which the background image can be seen. Therefore, background images are always seen along with the displayed image. In addition, a see-through display using OLEDs cannot provide the black color. As a result, a see-thorough display exhibits poor visibility. This inevitable problem can be solved by placing a light shutter at the back of a see-through display. Light shutter technology can be divided into two types; light absorption and light scattering. Light shutter based on light absorption can be used to control the transmittance, but it cannot block the object behind the display panel completely. Light shutters based on light scattering can be used to control the haze, but it cannot provide black color. To realize a high-visibility see-through display, we need a light shutter by which we can control haze and transmittance simultaneously. In this talk we would like to introduce technologies for LC light shutters by which we can block the background image and provide black color by utilizing light scattering and absorption effects simultaneously.

The study of liquid crystal (LC) alignment is important for fundamental researches and industrial applications. The tunable pretilt angles of liquid crystal (LC) molecules aligned on the inorganic zinc oxide (ZnO) nanostructure films with controllable surface wettability are demonstrated in this work. The ZnO nanostructure films are deposited on the ITO- glass substrates by the two-steps hydrothermal process, and their wettability can be modified by annealing. Our experimental results show that the pretilt angles of LCs on ZnO nanostructure films can be successfully adjusted over a wide range from ~90° to ~0° as the surface energy on the ZnO nanostructure films changes from ~30 to ~70 mJ/m. Finally we have applied this technique to fabricate a no-bias optically-compensated bend (OCB) LCD with ZnO nanostructure films annealed at 235 °C.

An orange-reflecting photonic polymer film has been fabricated based on a hydrogen-bonded cholesteric liquid crystalline (CLC) polymer consisting of non-reactive (R)-(+)-3-methyladipic acid as the chiral dopant. This polymer film can be patterned easily by evaporating the chiral dopant at specific locations with a hot pen or a laser beam. Removal of chiral dopant leads to a decrease in the helical pitch at the heat treated areas leading to a change in color from orange to green revealing a high contrast pattern. The photonic patterns are irreversible and stable at ambient conditions. This makes such a CLC polymer film interesting as writable photonic paper.

Continuous optical phase modulation was systematically investigated in a nematic host liquid crystal (LC), which was stabilized with in-situ generated photopolymer. Various driving modes were investigated. With presence of a chiral dopant, polarization independent and fast electro-optic responses were found in both blue phase mode and uniformly standing helix mode. Anyway, high driving voltages > 100 V were required to achieve phase modulation depths > π in reflective test cells with planar electrodes. In contrast, much lower driving voltages < 15 V were required in a polymernetwork LC based on the same host LC if no chiral dopant was present. In this driving mode, high phase contrast and sums of response times (t_on+t_off ) ≈ 3 – 4 ms were found, fast enough to achieve 200-400 Hz modulations.

See-through displays have got high attention as one of the next generation display devices. Especially, see-through displays that use organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) and liquid crystal displays (LCDs) have been actively studied. However, a see-through display using OLEDs cannot provide black color because of their see-through area. Although a see-through display using LCDs can provide black color with crossed polarizers, it cannot block the background. This inevitable problem can be solved by placing a light shutter at the back of a see-through display. To maintain the transparent or opaque state, an electric field must be applied to a light shutter. To achieve low power consumption, a bistable light shutter using polymer-stabilized cholesteric liquid crystals (CLC) has been proposed. It is switchable between the translucent and transparent states only. Therefore, it cannot provide black color. Moreover, it cannot block the background perfectly because of poor performance in the translucent state. In this work we will introduce a bistable light shutter using dye-doped CLCs. To improve the electro-optic characteristics in the opaque state, we employed a crossed electrode structure instead of a parallel one. We will demonstrate that the light shutter can exhibit stable bistable operation between the transparent homeotropic and opaque focal-conic states thanks to polymer stabilization.

Liquid Crystal Spatial Light Modulators (LCSLM) are of great importance in various scientific applications such as adaptive optics, optical microscopy, optical trapping etc., due to their capability to dynamically reconfigure the amplitude, phase and polarization profiles of the incoming beam. Here LCSLMs are basically used to display computer generated holograms which give rise to diffraction orders. Recently we have observed that the fluctuations in both the diffracted and undiffracted beam, which may cause great disturbances in the applications, have a close relationship with the power on-off instants of the LCSLM. Thus there exists some link between the heat dissipation from the LCSLM panel and the beam fluctuations. In this paper we provide a detailed investigation on the cause and nature of the beam fluctuations in the LCSLM.

We report on the numerical analysis of polarization gratings (PGs) and study their general diffraction properties by using the Rigorous Coupled Wave Analysis (RCWA) method. With this semi-analytical method, we can perform rigorous simulation without paraxial approximation and have a complete understanding of diffraction behavior of PGs, including those with complex twisted layers. We first adapt the formulation of conventional RCWA to simulate grating made by anisotropic material, as appropriate for the PG profile. We then validate our RCWA method by comparing its result with that given by finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method. Diffraction characteristics including the spectral response, angular response, and polarization dependence are investigated. A comparison of the stability and computation performance between the two methods is also briefly discussed.

Dielectrophoresis can provide a delicate tool to control electrically neutral particles in colloid. The dielectrophoresis is usually applied to solid particles or heterogeneous liquid droplet in continuous liquid, but we devised and investigated the dielectrophoresis of isotropic droplets within nematic phase or vice versa. Using multi-components liquid crystal mixtures that exhibit relatively wide temperature range of nematic-isotropic coexistence, we achieved a field-induced phase separation between isotropic and nematic. We also fabricated the isotropic-nematic filaments that was achieved using a biased surface preference for either isotropic or nematic phase of the alignment layer [1]. The dielectrophoresis manipulations of isotropic and nematic droplets required much lower voltage compared to that for the electro wetting type devices. In addition, we observed the bi-directional actuation of isotropic droplets using anisotropic dielectric property of liquid crystal, which is not possible in usual dielectrophoresis. The bidirectional actuation was achieved by controlling the LC director within the cell so as to change the sign of the difference between the effective dielectric constant of nematic and isotropic liquid crystals. We simulated the bi-directional dielectrophoresis by performing the LC director calculation and the corresponding dielectrophoresis. The simulation results matched well with the experimental data. Thus, the bi-directional dielectrophoresis using isotropic and nematic droplets may open new possibility of electro- optical applications using liquid crystals.

While a pixel in a color image has three colorimetric information of RGB, that in a spectral image contains full spectral information, several tens times more information compared to the color image. Hence, the spectral image is widely applicable in biology, material science, and environmental science. Although several methods for spectral image acquisition have been suggested to date, those methods are expensive, bulky, or slow in actual device. In this work, we designed a novel type of tunable narrow band-pass filter using rotatable polarizer, quarter-wave plate, and birefringence films. Different from the conventional Lyot-Ohman type filter, we do not use a liquid crystal layer. The selection of wavelength is made by rotating the polarizer in our filter set, and adopted a piezoelectric rotational actuator for that. We simulated to find the optimal conditions of the filter set, and finally, fabricated a filter module. The minimum band width was 5 nm, which is suitable for usual spectral imaging and can be reduced further if necessary, and the wavelength of light passing through the filter set was continuously selectable. After setting the filter in a microscope, we obtained a spectral image set for a bio sample that contained full spectrum information in each pixel. Using image processing, we could demonstrate to read out the spectral information for any selected position.