Sparse multiwall carbon nanotube electrodes arrays for liquid crystal photonic devices

Abstract

We present a new photonic micro-optical device based on an array of electrodes made from vertically aligned multiwall carbon nanotubes used to address a liquid crystal cell. The electrodes create a Gaussian electric field profile which is used to reorient a planar aligned nematic liquid crystal. The variation in refractive index within the liquid crystal layer acts like a graded index optical element which can be varied by changing the applied electric field to the carbon nanotube. Results are presented from a device fabricated with a 10um pitch between the micro-optical elements.