The two-dimensional array of microlenses used in Shack Hartmann wavefront sensors (SHWS) is an important element. Fabrication of such microlenses, however, can be an expensive and tedious process as it involves several stages that require high precision. These stringent fabrication conditions place limitations on its uses for different applications that require ease in alteration of parameters such as the number of elements, diameter of the lenses, and focal length of the array. In the present work, we demonstrate the implementation of inkjet-printed liquid crystal (LC) microlens arrays as a reliable alternative to that of the conventional microlenses used in SHWS. The fabrication of bespoke LC microlenses is rapid and economical and offers a number of flexibilities to easily tailor key parameters based on user requirements. Proof-of-concept experimental results are included that demonstrate the applicability of the LC microlens arrays for wavefront sensing.
This presentation demonstrates the use of drop-on-demand printing for the fabrication of liquid crystal (LC) droplet devices tailored for a range of different applications. The presentation will begin with a demonstration of the printing of different LC inks in the form of nematic LCs and polymer-stabilized chiral nematic LCs. Results are presented to demonstrate how the latter can be printed as arrays to form switchable smart windows with embedded images. We then show how printed nematic LCs can be used to generate optical vortex beams under certain applied voltages and how they can be used to enable single-shot Stokes polarimetry.
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