Electrically controllable liquid crystal photonic bandgap fiber with dual-frequency control

Abstract

We present an electrically tunable liquid crystal photonic bandgap fiber device based on a dual frequency liquid crystal with pre-tilted molecules that allows the bandgaps to be continuously tuned. The frequency dependent behavior of the liquid crystal enables active shifting of the bandgaps toward shorter or longer wavelengths. We also describe and experimentally characterize an electro-optical modulator and a birefringence controller suitable for polarization control.