Evaluation of Polarization-Independent Refractive Index Tuning in Stabilized Blue Phases

Abstract

Polarization-independent refractive index (RI) tuning can be achieved in blue phase liquid crystals (BPLCs) by applying an electric field parallel to the direction of light transmission. One of the challenges of using these materials in real-life applications is the small RI tuning range achievable. In this study, we used two types of stabilized BPLCs, polymer-stabilized BPLCs and gold nanoparticle doped BPLCs, and evaluated their polarization-independent RI modulation capabilities. A Fabry-Perot etalon structure was employed to investigate the RI tuning properties.