Polymer-Stabilized Cholesteric Liquid Crystal for Polarization-Independent Variable Optical Attenuator

A reflective-type polymer-stabilized cholesteric liquid crystal (PSCLC) cell was demonstrated at λ=1550 nm laser wavelength. It showed a high attenuation range (~30 dB), a low operating voltage (~12 Vrms), a highly efficient polarization-independent behavior and flat wavelength dependence in the range of 1525–1575 nm. The combined effects of curing temperature, chiral dopant, and monomer concentration were investigated and optimized to maximally improve the PSCLC properties. The potential application of PSCLC as a polarization-independent variable optical attenuator is emphasized.