Liquid Crystal Optical Switches

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Product Description
  • Nematic liquid crystal/thin-film linear polarizer, 90° TN-aligned liquid crystal cell, with mechanical housing and wiring
  • Voltage-controlled optical switching, without internal mechanical vibration
  • High transmission, high switching contrast ratio, fast switching response speed
  • Operating wavelength: 400-700 nm, response time: <5 ms
  • Compatible with voltage controller LCVRC-2K25, custom services for parameter specifications available
The LBTEK Liquid Crystal Optical Switch (LCOS) is based on a 90° TN-aligned liquid crystal cell and thin-film linear polarizers, mounted in a mechanical housing with attached wiring. By applying an AC voltage to the nematic liquid crystal filled in the TN cell, it achieves 90°/0° optical rotation switching. Combined with orthogonal polarizers, it provides beam switching control, offering fast, vibration-free beam switching for optical paths. When no voltage is applied, the LBTEK LCOS rotates the polarization state of incident light by 90°, achieving the optical "on" state. When a 15 V voltage is applied, the liquid crystal molecules reorient to remain the polarization state of the incident light unchanged, resulting in the optical "off" state. The LBTEK LCOS features a high-speed switching response of <5 ms and an average switching contrast ratio >5000:1 across its operating wavelength range. It is suitable for applications such as camera shutters, machine vision, and 3D displays. LBTEK offers standard LCOS products with operating wavelengths of 400-700 nm, while also supporting flexible customization of parameters to meet diverse application needs. A matching voltage controller, LCVRC-2K25, is available for selection. For details, please consult LBTEK Technical Support.
Attribute
housing SpecificationsØ25.7×9 mm, compatible with Ø1-inch optical component mounting brackets
Transmittance (avg.)>60 %
Component MaterialNematic liquid crystal/ITO glass/Linear polarizing film
Contrast (avg.)>5000:1
Clear ApertureØ10 mm
Response time<5 ms
Surface finish (scratches/pits)60/40
ReflectivityRavg < 0.5% (0° angle of incidence)
Liquid Crystal Optical Switches, 400-700 nm
  • Operating wavelength range of 400-700 nm, clear aperture Ø10 mm
  • Average transmission >60% within operating wavelength range, average contrast ratio >5000:1
  • Switching voltage 0 V and 15 V, switching response time <5 ms
  • Mechanical housing compatible with Ø1-inch optical component mounts

The LBTEK Liquid Crystal Optical Switch operates within a wavelength range of 400-700 nm. It is constructed using two orthogonal 400-700 nm linear polarizers and a TN liquid crystal cell. By switching between 0 V and 15 V voltages, it can achieve beam on/off functionality within the operating wavelength range, with a response time of <5 ms. Across the entire operating wavelength range, it maintains an average transmission >60% and an average contrast ratio >5000:1. The device features a clear aperture of Ø10 mm, mounted in a mechanical housing with attached wiring. It is compatible with Ø1-inch optical component mounts. Both sides of the product are marked with the transmission direction of the polarizers to maximize beam energy utilization.

Liquid Crystal Optical Switch Assembly Diagram

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Lead Time
LCOS-10-A 400-700 nmØ10 mm<5 ms$880.934 weeks
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