LC phase-gratings for reflective spatial light modulators

Abstract

The twist nematic liquid crystal diffracting grating using patterned alignment with opposite twist angle for reflective SLM have been analyzed in terms of operation mode, diffraction efficiency, and operation voltage. In general, the normally white modes have higher operating voltages, but faster response time than normally black modes which have been optimized to achieve low operating voltage and high optical diffraction efficiency. In addition, we have also analyzed the light leakage due to the disclinations at the domain boundary between opposite twist domain fabricated by patterned alignment.