OPTICALLY ACTIVE MATRIX WITH VOID STRUCTURES

摘要

An optically active element, such as a photonic crystal, is formed by creating a matrix (1) in which an optically active material is dispersed, and generating one or more void structures (2, 3) in the matrix. The matrix (1) may comprise polymer dispersed liquid crystal. The void structures (2, 3) may be generated by laser ablation. Properties of the optically active element may be tuned by thermal effects, or via the application of electric, magnetic, or polarised electromagnetic fields. The element may be adapted for use in beam steering, fluid detection, tunable lasers, polarisation multiplexing, and optical switching.