Meadowlark Optics
Liquid Crystal Polarization Grating (LCPG) Technology
Meadowlark Optics’ Liquid Crystal Polarization Gratings use varying birefringence to create highly efficient polarization-sensitive gratings. They efficiently diffract circularly polarized light into either the first positive or negative order, depending on the incident light’s handedness. By stacking these gratings and using half-waveplate switches, it’s possible to steer light into 2N discrete angles in 1-D or 2-D arrays.
Also known as geometric phase gratings, Pancharatnam-Berry phase gratings, and diffractive waveplates, these gratings can be customized by Meadowlark. They offer wide-angle beam steering (> 100°), large apertures (> 20 cm), sub-millisecond switching times, reduced size, weight, and power (SWaP) requirements, random-access, inertia-less beam steering, and dynamic focusing. Contact a Meadowlark Optics Solutions Engineer for assistance with your unique needs.
Liquid Crystal Polarization Grating (LCPG) Technology
Benefits of LCPG Beam Steering
- Low size, weight, and power
- Random-access scanning
- Robust non-mechanical operation
- Large apertures possible (>15cm)
- Diffraction-limited wavefront quality
- High diffraction efficiency (>99%)
- Up to 80°×80° steering demonstrated
- Demonstrated in VIS to MWIR
Liquid Crystal Polarization Grating (LCPG) Technology
Non-mechanically reconfigurable optics with vastly superior size, weight, and power requirements compared to their mechanical counterparts.
- Wide-angle beam steering > 100°
- Large apertures > 20 cm
- Sub-millisecond switching times
- Dramatically reduced size, weight, and power (SWaP) requirements
- Random-access and inertia-less beam steering
- Dynamic focusing also available
Non-Mechanical Steering for a Range of Aperture Sizes
Liquid crystal polarization gratings (LCPGs) are diffractive elements that provide near-100% diffraction for circularly polarized light. When layered with thin polarization-controlling liquid crystal elements, LCPGs provide a means of non-mechanically reconfiguring light into different states, such as for beam steering or focusing. Customers benefit from the patent on the pioneering work with LCPGs in non-mechanical beam steering (US 8,982,313 B2) as well as other related patents.LCPG Steering for Lidar
LCPG technology excels at non-mechanical beam steering for many narrowband sensors including lidar. To date, we have demonstrated LCPG beam steering for both coherent and direct detection lidars and both monostatic and bistatic architectures. Due to the ability to steer light in discrete steps over large angles, LCPG beam steering is particularly well suited to steering flash lidar systems and coherent doppler lidar wind sensing systems.Use the arrow icon – – below the preview to enlarge the pdf. Escape key exits fullscreen. Download Data Sheet PDF
DESCRIPTION
Meadowlark Optics is excited to announce the release of the Model B1010, our new Analog Liquid Crystal Controller. This liquid crystal (LC) driver is designed to integrate with any single (standard) Meadowlark Optics LC device currently offered as well as any nematic Liquid Crystal device compatible with the specifications listed. Independent voltage settings allow easy and repeatable selection of two retardance values. Often, it is desirable to modulate between the two states. For example, switching between quarter-wave and three-quarter-wave retardance changes linearly polarized light between left and right circular. A manual toggle allows easy switching between two states. Banana jacks between the knobs allow for continuous voltage monitoring without interfering with LC device connections. Each Meadowlark Optics Liquid Crystal Variable Retarder is supplied with a plot of its actual retardance versus voltage. Using your Model B1010 Controller and this retardance plot ensures accurate retardance to voltage correlation.Item # | Dimensions | Dimensional Tolerance | Lead Time | Price | QTY | Add to cart |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
5.50 x 5.25 x 1.63 in. (14.0 x 13.3 x 4.1 cm) | nominal | 2 weeks | $1,950.00 | Max: Min: 1 Step: 1 | ||
1.000 in. (25.40 mm) ⋅ 2.000 in. (50.80 mm) | ± 0.005 in (0.127 mm) | 6-8 weeks | $3,608.00–$4,895.00 | Max: Min: 1 Step: 1 | ||
1.000 in. (25.40 mm) ⋅ 2.000 in. (50.80 mm) | ± 0.005 in (0.127 mm) | 6-8 weeks | $3,570.00–$4,345.00 | Max: Min: 1 Step: 1 | ||
1.000 in. (25.40 mm) ⋅ 2.000 in. (50.80 mm) ⋅ 3.000 in. (76.2 mm) ⋅ 3.000 in. (76.20 mm) | 2 weeks | $1,716.00–$4,202.00 | Max: Min: 1 Step: 1 | |||
1.000 in. (25.40 mm) ⋅ 2.000 in. (50.80 mm) ⋅ 3.000 in. (76.20 mm) | ± 0.005 in (0.127 mm) | 2 weeks ⋅ 3-4 weeks | $1,716.00–$4,202.00 | Max: Min: 1 Step: 1 | ||
5.08 x 5.25 x 1.50 in. (12.90 x 13.33 x 3.81 cm) | 2-3 weeks | $363.00 | Max: Min: 1 Step: 1 | |||
6 ft (2 m) | 1 – 2 Days | $39.00 | Max: Min: 1 Step: 1 | |||
3.3 x 6.0 x 2.2 in. (8.4 x 15.2 x 5.6 cm) | nominal | 1 – 2 Days | $695.00 | Max: Min: 1 Step: 1 | ||
5.50 x 5.25 x 1.63 in. (14.0 x 13.3 x 4.1 cm) | nominal | 1 – 2 Days | $1,595.00 | Max: Min: 1 Step: 1 | ||
5.50 x 5.25 x 1.63 in. (14.0 x 13.3 x 4.1 cm) | nominal | 2 weeks | $1,950.00 | Max: Min: 1 Step: 1 |
SPECIFICATIONS
- Output Voltage: 0 to 20 VAC, RMS, maximum
- Fundamental Drive Waveform: 2 kHz AC square wave
- External Modulation (input) None
- Output Bias: ± 10 mV DC
- Power Requirements: 12 VDC 200 mA or 9V battery, External power supply included, 100‐240 VAC 50‐60 Hz, 0.3 A, International Plugs
- Battery Life: 1 hour (intended for convenience, not as a primary power source)
- External Dimensions: (W x D x H) 3.3 x 6.0 x 2.2 in.
- Weight: < 1 lb.
- CE Compliance: Compliant
Download Selection Guide
Download Datasheet
For specification, please contact Sales at 303.833.4333 or sales@meadowlark.com. Working with us personally ensures that you receive the exact component or system you need every time.