Xiong Jianghao, Yang Qian, Li Yannanqi, Wu Shin-Tson
College of Optics and Photonics, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, 32816, USA.
Light Sci Appl. 2022 Mar 10;11(1):54. doi: 10.1038/s41377-022-00746-3.
Liquid crystal polarization optics based on photoalignment technique has found pervasive applications in next-generation display platforms like virtual reality and augmented reality. Its large-scale fabrication, however, remains a big challenge due to the high demands in small feature size, fast processing speed, and defects-free alignment quality during the photoalignment process, especially for large-angle reflective devices. Here we propose a new concept of holo-imprinting based on non-contact replication of polarization pattern with a reflective liquid crystal hologram as a template. Our theoretical analysis and experimental results validate the possibility of generating a high-quality polarization pattern exploiting the self-interfering beams of reflective holograms. The method can be extended to numerous devices, from transmissive to reflective, from small angle to large angle, and from grating, lens, to freeform optics. Its widespread impact on the fabrication of liquid crystal polarization optics for advanced display and imaging systems is foreseeable.
基于光取向技术的液晶偏振光学器件在虚拟现实和增强现实等下一代显示平台中得到了广泛应用。然而，由于在光取向过程中对小特征尺寸、快速处理速度和无缺陷取向质量的高要求，尤其是对于大角度反射器件，其大规模制造仍然是一个巨大的挑战。在此，我们提出了一种基于以反射液晶全息图为模板对偏振图案进行非接触复制的全息压印新概念。我们的理论分析和实验结果验证了利用反射全息图的自干涉光束生成高质量偏振图案的可能性。该方法可扩展到众多器件，从透射式到反射式，从小角度到大角度，从光栅、透镜到自由曲面光学器件。可以预见，它将对先进显示和成像系统的液晶偏振光学器件制造产生广泛影响。
