Dynamic modulation performance of ferroelectric liquid crystal polarization rotators and Mueller matrix polarimeter optimization

doi:10.1007/s11465-019-0573-7

Front. Mech. Eng.

2020, Vol. 15

Issue (2) : 256-264 https://doi.org/10.1007/s11465-019-0573-7

RESEARCH ARTICLE

Dynamic modulation performance of ferroelectric liquid crystal polarization rotators and Mueller matrix polarimeter optimization

Song ZHANG, Lelun WANG, Anze YI, Honggang GU, Xiuguo CHEN, Hao JIANG(

), Shiyuan LIU

School of Mechanical Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China

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Abstract

A ferroelectric liquid crystal polarization rotator (FLCPR) has been widely used in polarization measurement due to its fast and stable modulation characteristics. The accurate characterization of the modulation performance of FLCPR directly affects the measurement accuracy of the instrument based on liquid crystal modulation. In this study, FLCPR is accurately characterized using a self-developed high-speed Stokes polarimeter. Strong linear and weak circular birefringence are observed during modulation processes, and all the optical parameters of FLCPR are dependent on driving voltage. A dual FLCPR-based Mueller matrix polarimeter is designed on the basis of the Stokes polarimeter. The designed polarimeter combines the advantages of the high modulation frequency of FLCPR and the ultrahigh temporal resolution of the fast polarization measurement system in the Stokes polarimeter. The optimal configuration of the designed polarizer is predicted in accordance with singular value decomposition. A simulated thickness measurement of a 24 nm standard SiO₂ thin film is performed using the optimal configuration. Results show that the relative error in thickness measurement caused by using the unsatisfactory modulation characteristics of FLCPR reaches up to −4.34%. This finding demonstrates the importance of the accurate characterization of FLCPR in developing a Mueller matrix polarizer.

Keywords ferroelectric liquid crystal polarization rotator (FLCPR) dual liquid crystal Mueller matrix polarizer design and optimization

Corresponding Author(s): Hao JIANG

Just Accepted Date: 11 February 2020 Online First Date: 11 March 2020 Issue Date: 25 May 2020

Cite this article:

Song ZHANG,Lelun WANG,Anze YI, et al. Dynamic modulation performance of ferroelectric liquid crystal polarization rotators and Mueller matrix polarimeter optimization[J]. Front. Mech. Eng., 2020, 15(2): 256-264.

URL:

https://academic.hep.com.cn/fme/EN/10.1007/s11465-019-0573-7
https://academic.hep.com.cn/fme/EN/Y2020/V15/I2/256

Fig.1 Schematic of the structure and modulation principle of FLCPR: (a) and (b) at different driving voltages represent the two possible stable states in FLCPR. GS: Glass substrate; ITO: Thin conductive layer; PI: Polyimide layer; AL: Alignment layer; FLC: Ferroelectric liquid crystal; P: Spontaneous polarization; n: LC molecular director; and q: Tilt angle of FLC.

Fig.2 Schematic of FLCPR measurement methods in the literature. P: Polarizer; HWP: Half-wave plate; FLCPR: Normal ferroelectric liquid crystal polarization rotator; AFLCPR: Achromatic ferroelectric liquid crystal polarization rotator; PMT: Photomultiplier tube.

Fig.3 Six-channel Stokes polarimeter. (a) Light path diagram. P₁ and P₂: Polarizers; C₁ and C₃: Quart-wave plate; C₂: Half-wave plate; NPBS₁: 70:30 (R:T) non-polarizing beam splitter; NPBS₂: 50:50 (R:T) non-polarizing beam splitter; PBS: Polarization beam splitter; DAQ: Oscilloscope; PC: Personal computer; SC: Signal controller; PMT: Photomultiplier tube. (b) Self-developed Stokes polarimeter prototype.

Fig.4 Real-time measurement of FLCPR with the self-developed Stokes polarimeter.

Tab.1 Optical parameters extracted for FLCPR

Fig.5 Schematic of the Mueller matrix polarimeter based on dual FLCPRs.

Fig.6 Diagram of the configuration optimization of PSG: (a) Relationship between (a₁, a₂, q_p) and c(W); (b) relationship between (a₁, q_p) and c(W). The value of c(W) spans from two to infinity. Thus, the area with c(W)>20 is displayed in the same color to achieve a clear depiction of the position of the smallest c(W).

Fig.7 Diagram of the configuration optimization of FPMS. Relationship between (a_c2, a_c3) and c(A).

Fig.8 Thickness measurement error in SiO₂ film measurement caused by the retardance change of FLCPR.

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