Influence of curing temperature and high birefringence on the properties of polymerstabilized liquid crystals.

We report the curing temperature effect on the performance of polymer-stabilized liquid crystals at lambda=1550 nm. The curing temperature in the polymerization process is found to make a significant impact on the light scattering efficiency, hysteresis, operating voltage, and response time. Using a high birefringence liquid crystal mixture, we have improved the device contrast ratio while keeping low operating voltage, and fast response time. Potential applications of such a PSLC for light shutters, variable optical attenuators, and switchable polarizers are emphasized.