Characterization of PDLC holographic gratings

Summary form only given. In this paper we present the results of an experimental study of the diffractive properties of electrically switched holographic gratings fabricated using polymer-dispersed liquid crystal mixtures. These composite gratings can be used to fabricate high contrast, electrically switchable, diffractive elements for the visible and near infrared region of the spectrum for optical switching and beam steering applications. In this study we have found that the diffractive properties can be controlled using different PDLC mixtures. In fact by changing the PDLC mixture the diffractive properties of the gratings can be changed from highly anisotropic to highly isotropic.