Phase-only modulation by nanosized polymer-dispersed liquid crystals

We report the preparation methods and electro-optical characterization of polymer-dispersed liquid crystals with nanosized liquid crystal domains obtained by using a multifunctional monomer in a prepolymer mixture that is suitable for a fast photopolymerization process. The electric-field-induced optical phase shift has been measured using a Mach-Zender interferometer, getting values up to pi/2 with an applied voltage of about 20 V/mum with no dependence on the light polarization. The high transmittance of the samples make them suitable for photonic devices and telecom applications. (C) 2002 American Institute of Physics.