Generation of Radially Polarized Beams Using Optically Patterned Liquid Crystals

Radially polarizing liquid crystal (LC) devices aligned optically were investigated for applications in laser technology. Presently, radially polarized beams are generated through complex laser resonator configurations or buffing of LC alignment layers. Optically aligned LC devices offer several advantages over these methods, including their simple fabrication, low cost, high laser damage threshold, and scalability. This project researched the fabrication of the LC devices using a high-damage-threshold coumarin-based photopolymer irradiated with polarized UV light on a rotating stage coupled with a slit. Radially polarizing LC devices have been fabricated and characterized. This will lead to more research to improve the fabrication technique and make larger devices.