We derive theoretical expressions for the eigenvalues and the eigenvectors for a twisted-nematic liquid-crystal display (LCD) as a function of the twist angle and the birefringence by use of the Jones-matrix formalism. These polarization eigenvectors are of particular interest for phase-only transmission because they propagate unchanged through the display. We find that the eigenvectors are elliptically polarized and that the ellipticity changes as a function of the birefringence of the LCD (which is proportional to the external voltage applied to the display). We can define an average eigenvector over a desired range for the applied voltage. We show, using Jones matrices, how this average eigenvector can be generated using a quarter-wave plate and a linear polarizer having appropriate orientation angles. Using this average eigenvector, we show that superior phase-only operation can be obtained over a given operating range for the LCD compared with other approaches.

© 1998 Optical Society of America

[Optical Society of America ]

You do not have subscription access to this journal. Citation lists with outbound citation links are available to subscribers only. You may subscribe either as an OSA member, or as an authorized user of your institution.

Contact your librarian or system administrator
or
Log in to access OSA Member Subscription

You do not have subscription access to this journal. Cited by links are available to subscribers only. You may subscribe either as an OSA member, or as an authorized user of your institution.

Contact your librarian or system administrator
or
Log in to access OSA Member Subscription

You do not have subscription access to this journal. Article level metrics are available to subscribers only. You may subscribe either as an OSA member, or as an authorized user of your institution.

Contact your librarian or system administrator
or
Log in to access OSA Member Subscription

Related Journal Articles

• Diffusion of photoexcited azo dye in a liquid-crystal host (OL)
• Diffusion of photoexcited azo dye in a liquid-crystal host: errata (OL)
• Fabry Perot etalon with polymer cholesteric liquid-crystal mirrors (OL)
• Polarization controller using nematic liquid crystals (OL)
• Directly Modulated Semiconductor-Laser-Fed Photonic Delay Line with Ferroelectric Liquid Crystals (AO)

Related Conference Papers

• Measurement of the self-consistent waveguide of an accessible soliton
• Higher order polarization mode dispersion compensator with three degrees of freedom
• Influence of PMD on the performance of optical transmission systems in the presence of PDL
• Polarization Stabilizing for Diode-Pumped Passively Q-Switched Nd:YAG Microchip Lasers
• Second-harmonic generation in nonpolar chiral materials: relationship between molecular and macroscopic properties
• Second-harmonic generation in nonpolar chiral materials: relationship between molecular and macroscopic properties