Active-Tuned Plasmonic Angle Modulator of Light Beams for Potential Application of 3D Display

Abstract

We propose a plasmonic angle modulator device based on the extraordinary optical transmission (EOT) phenomenon combined with the liquid crystal (LC)-tuned surface plasmons (SPs). The configuration of this angle modulator mainly involves an Ag nanograting film for the SP coupling and a LC layer for continuously tuning SPs via voltage signals. Accordingly, the directions of the transmission light through the Ag nanograting film can be tuned continuously, realizing a light beam scanning in a 5° range at an operation rate of 60 Hz. We expect this active-tuned plasmonic angle modulator would have potential applications in three-dimensional (3D) display techniques that strictly require the elaborate and rapid angle modulation of light beams. In addition, this active-tuned plasmonic angle modulator can also be applied in other fields, such as photocommunication, optical detection, beam steering, and so on