Linear size gradient single layers of polymer-dispersed liquid crystal micrometer-sized droplets for diffractive optics

An experimental study of coherent light diffraction by wedge-formed single layers composed of liquid crystal (LC) micro-sized droplets dispersed in a transparent solid polymer matrix is reported. The micrometer-sized polymer-dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) material contains prolate-ellipsoid-like LC droplets with a linear-gradient size distribution along the wedge slope. The droplet diameter in the films reaches several tens of micrometers, defined by the wedge. Such a droplet organization in a two-dimensional layer provides both spatial and electrical control of the coherent light diffraction by the LC/polymer interface.