A Simplified Model for the Optimization of LC Photonic Elements

Recently, liquid crystal (LC) polarization gratings (PGs), because of several advantages, have become extremely popular although the process for analysis and optimization of different optical characteristics is still very complicated. Here, we reveal a simplified model (SM) to evaluate and optimize the performance of LCPGs. Unlike the existing extended Jones matrix (EJM) method, the SM excludes the layer-by-layer analysis and considers an effective twist that reduces the complexity of the calculations. In addition, obtained results from the SM have been compared with the EJM model for variety of conditions and found in good agreement. Furthermore, the proposed SM can also be used for variety of LC photonic elements viz., polarization convertors, polarization rotators, and so on.