Micro-optic switch using chiral nematic-smectic C* phase transition ferroelectric liquid crystals

Abstract
A micro-optic switch based on total-internal reflection using ferroelectric liquid crystal is described. It uses a chiral nematic (N*)-smectic C* phase transition ferroelectric liquid crystal (FLC) in which the optic axis rotates by 90° during switching. The device exploits the maximum of birefringence in minimizing its size. The material inherent advantage of tilt angle stability with temperature provides the switching characteristics which are more stable over a wide range of temperature. An exceptionally high attenuation of 5x107 in the off state has been demonstrated.