Diffraction and polarization properties of a liquid crystal grating

Diffraction properties of an amplitude liquid crystal grating with a periodic electrode structure are studied under different polarizer configurations. Based on these experimental results, polarization characteristics of light diffracted from this grating are discussed. Both diffraction light intensities and polarization states of this liquid crystal grating can be controlled electrically. Symmetrical diffraction light intensities but antisymmetrical polarization states in corresponding negative and positive diffraction orders are demonstrated.