Switchable photonic crystal for polymer dispersed liquid crystal

Single-prism systems are used to fabricate electrically switchable Photonic Crystal (PhC) structures in Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal (PDLC) films. The optical configuration is simple, stable and repeatable. A good agreement between theoretical and experimental results is obtained for the PhC structures. Hexagonal far-field diffraction patterns and electrical switching characteristics are also investigated. The smallest droplets of liquid crystals are 10 nm in diameter. The switching voltage can be decreased to 13.3 V/μm.