Polarization effects in reconfigurable liquid crystal phase holograms

An improved configuration for achieving true polarization insensitive reconfigurable phase holograms for optical switches using homogeneously aligned nematic liquid crystal devices is presented. Previous experimental results have been analyzed and explained using numerical modeling of the nematic liquid crystal orientation and associated optical modulation. Twisting of the liquid crystal optical axis from the optimal 45° orientation from the quarter waveplate is shown to degrade the polarization insensitive performance. The alternative direction of surface alignment perpendicular to the long pixel edge eliminates the twist of the director during switching. True polarization insensitivity is predicted with our model for this mode of operation.