Polymer dispersed liquid crystal infrared light shutter

Abstract

We have developed a polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) device for operation in the midinfrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum. This device can be incorporated in thermal imaging systems that utilize pyroelectric vidicons for night vision applications. The infrared electro-optic properties of several PDLCs as a function of substrate, droplet size, film thickness, and applied ac voltage are examined using infrared spectroscopy, electro-optic and differential scattering measurements, and static video analysis.