Liquid crystalline geometrical phase Alvarez-Lohmann lenses

• Published in: Optical materials express Vol. 14; no. 11; p. 2786
• Main Authors: Tabiryan, Nelson V., Pshenychnyi, Andrii, Ouskova, Olena, Gerosa, Katherine, Crenshaw, Ecklin, Carter, Michael J., McConney, Michael, Urbas, Augustine, Bunning, Timothy J., Slagle, Jonathan
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.11.2024
• ISSN: 2159-3930; 2159-3930
• DOI: 10.1364/OME.525069

Thin-film LC based geo-phase optics have previously been demonstrated to drastically reduce size, weight, and power requirements for large-aperture optical systems while providing non-mechanical functionality for discrete values – for example, digital switching of the beam steering angle. In this work, we present a series of geo-phase Alvarez-Lohmann lens systems capable of analog tuning of focal length through lateral translation or azimuthal rotation. For circularly polarized inputs, diffraction efficiencies greater than 90% were observed over the visible spectrum with some wavelengths exceeding 99% for lateral embodiments. Both cylindrical and spherical Alvarez-Lohman systems were fabricated with focal lengths varying from infinity to 110 mm with increasing lateral displacement. These LC-based geo-phase optical systems could enable a new generation of low-cost, high-performance, and ruggedized dynamic optical components.