Photo-patterning micro-mirror devices using azo dye-doped cholesteric liquid crystals

A simple method for fabricating patternable micro-mirror devices by photo-induced alignment of dye-doped cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC) is demonstrated. The CLC texture can be changed from random distribution to nearly perfect planar by the photo-excited adsorbed dyes. This structure transformation leads to a substantial reflectivity increase. Using this photo-patterning technique, one- and two-dimensional micro-mirror arrays which function as gratings are also demonstrated. (c) 2006 Optical Society of America.