Use of ferroelectric liquid crystal panels to control state and degree of polarization in light beams.

We propose a new technique that is able to generate a light beam with a controlled state of polarization (SoP) and a customized degree of polarization (DoP). The technique relies on the fact that effective depolarization can be achieved by temporally averaging a time-dependent SoP. Our proposed setup is based on a ferroelectric liquid crystal panel of retardance λ/2, with a fast polarization switching capability (33 Hz). A mathematical basis describing the experiment is given. In addition, simulation data is discussed, showing the possibility of generating any SoP with full control of the DoP. Finally, to prove the potential of the invention proposed, experimental results are provided as well, reaching an experimental minimum DoP of 0.14.