Multilayer stacking technique for holographic polymer dispersed liquid crystals

Abstract

We demonstrate an alternate method of stacking holographic polymer dispersed liquid crystal (HPDLC) reflection gratings on substrates coated with indium tin oxide on both sides allowing independent switching of each grating in the stack. Successive layers of the stack are formed by switching existing layers, while exposing the subsequent layer to an interference pattern. Wavefront analysis based on wavefront propagation through HPDLC with electric field on and off is used to substantiate the improvement in the reflection efficiency of the layers in the stack. Results show an optical path length reduction due to elimination of substrate layers at each grating. © 2008 American Institute of Physics.