Reversibly switching liquid crystals between three orthogonal orientation states for use in rapid-response THz phase shifters

Abstract

Liquid crystal (LC) devices for terahertz phase shifters inevitably use a thick cell gap for the required retardation, severely delaying the LC response. To improve the response, we virtually demonstrate novel LC switching between in-plane and out-of-plane for reversible switching between three orthogonal orientation states, broadening the range of continuous phase shifts. This LC switching is realized using a pair of substrates, each with two pairs of orthogonal finger-type electrodes and one grating-type electrode for in- and out-of-plane switching. An applied voltage generates an electric field that drives each switching process between the three distinct orientation states, enabling a rapid response.