Optical properties of monomer-doped liquid crystalline materials for waveguiding structures

Experimental results on determination of optical parameters of monomer-doped liquid crystalline materials are presented. Refractive indices, as well as propagation losses, have been particularly determined as a function of the monomer concentration. Materials characterized in this way can be applied for fabrication of waveguiding structures with use of the photo-polymerization process. Several factors, such as composition of the LC-monomer mixture and UV illumination conditions, are needed to be taken under consideration when fabricating structures of satisfactory quality. Importantly, their optical properties may be additionally tuned after fabrication what is in a huge advantage when compared to waveguiding structures manufactured in other materials.