Polymer-stabilized cholesteric liquid crystal for polarization-independent variable optical attenuator

A reflective-type polymer-stabilized cholesteric liquid crystal (PSCLC) cell was demonstrated at lambda = 1550 nm laser wavelength. It showed a high attenuation range (similar to30 dB), a low operating voltage (similar to12 V-rms), a highly efficient polarization-independent behavior and flat wavelength dependence in the range of 1525-1575 nm. The combined effects of curing temperature, chiral dopant, and monomer concentration were investigated and optimized to maximally improve the PSCLC properties. The potential application of PSCLC as a polarization-independent variable optical attenuator is emphasized.