Reflective reversed-mode polymer stabilized cholesteric texture light switches

Light-switching behavior of reflective reserved-mode polymer-stabilized-cholesteric-texture (PSCT) was analyzed and validated experimentally. Our results indicate that the reflective reversed-mode PSCT offers a much higher contrast ratio and lower operating voltage than its transmissive counterpart. Effects of cell gap, birefringence, and pitch length on the contrast ratios of the reversed-mode PSCT cells were investigated. Potential applications of this device as variable optical attenuator and light shutter for telecommunication are emphasized. (C) 2002 American Institute of Physics.