Polarization-dependent microlens array using reactive mesogen aligned by top-down nanogrooves for switchable three-dimensional applications

We propose a reactive mesogen (RM) lens array to obtain good focusing behavior along with a short focal plane, where the focusing behavior is switchable according to the polarization state of incident light. Polarization-dependent focusing behavior is obtained using a planoconvex RM microlens array on a planoconcave isotropic lens template. Even though the sagitta of our RM lens is high, to obtain the short focal length, the RM layer can be aligned well by introducing a top-down alignment effect, using a nanogrooved template. The optical noise due to the moiré effect generated by the nanogrooves on the surface of the planoconvex RM layer can be removed simply by overcoating a thin RM layer, which is self-aligned by the geometric surface effect, without an additional alignment process. We demonstrate a hexagonal-packed RM lens array that has a very high fill factor and symmetric phase profile, for an ideal lens.