Generalized formulation and symmetry properties of reciprocal nonabsorbing polarization devices: Application to liquid-crystal displays
We present a general formulation based on the Jones-matrix theory for reciprocal nonabsorbing polarization devices, including polarization interference filters and liquid-crystal displays. The development of this formulation is based on general symmetry conditions that relate the Jones matrix when the device is illuminated from the front side and from the back side. The application to liquid-crystal displays results in a constraint of the Jones-matrix elements, which represents a generalization of the existing models that explain their modulation properties.
Solc filters in a reflective geometry
We present the realization of a bulk optics birefringent Solc filter in a reflective geometry. This geometry reduces by half the number of required retarders, ensures the same spectral retardance function in pairs of retarders, and helps to make more compact filters. The key element is a quarter-wave Fresnel rhomb located in between the set of retarders and a mirror. Two cases are considered: the first Solc filter uses multiple-order quartz retarders, and the second one uses two liquid-crystal retarders. The latter has the advantage of being tunable via an applied voltage. Experimental results show how to filter the spectral content of a supercontinuum laser.
Graphical representation of non-absorbing polarization devices
A graphical representation of general non-absorbing polarization devices operating under normal plane-wave incidence is presented. The representation is based on a four-dimensional spherical parametrization of the Jones matrix of this kind of polarization devices. The graphical representation takes the form of a solid cylinder. The projection of the point representing the device over the base of the cylinder gives the corresponding polarization eigenvectors represented in the complex plane, while the height of the point in the cylinder is the phase of its eigenvalue. Some simple examples like wave-plates and rotators are discussed. The representation may represent a useful tool to identify …
Twist angle determination in liquid crystal displays by location of local adiabatic points
In this work we present a method for the determination of the twist angle of an arbitrary twisted nematic liquid crystal spatial light modulator. The method is based on the location of local adiabatic points, i.e., situations in which the liquid crystal SLM acts only as a rotation device. For these cases, the rotation induced on the polarization of the incident beam is equal to the twist angle. Consequently, the twist angle can be determined with high precision. We show that local adiabatic regime may be achieved in two ways, either by changing the incident beam wavelength, or by applying a voltage to the electrodes of the display. However, the simple model that describes the SLM in the off…