Finite-difference time domain method for light wave propagation within liquid crystal devices

Light wave propagation within liquid crystal devices is determined by the application of an appropriate finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method, accounting rigorously for electromagnetic wave propagation. The introduction of FDTD calculations is aimed to substitute the matrix-type solvers in cases where the stratified-medium approximation fails. Such cases are commonly encountered when a liquid crystal device exhibits variations of the director orientation along the transverse direction on the scale of the propagating optical wavelength, for instance, at pixel edges. The formulation and sample numerical application are focused on planar liquid crystal devices exhibiting bend/splay deformation.

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