Electro-tunable defect mode in one-dimensional periodic structure containing nematic liquid crystal as a defect layer

Electrical tuning of defect modes in a one-dimensional periodic structure has been demonstrated using a nematic liquid crystal as a defect layer in the periodic structure. The wavelength of the defect mode shifts upon applying the electric field, which is due to the refractive index change in the defect layer caused by the field-induced realignment of the liquid crystal molecules. The theoretical calculation based on a simple transfer matrix has been carried out, and the result has been found to agree with the experimental result.