Polarization-independent fast optical shutter with high transmission.

In this work, we designed a fast cholesteric shutter by switching the director between homeotropic and transient planar states. It is polarization independent, has sub-millisecond response time, high transmission in homeotropic state, and is highly reflective in the transient planar state. We also developed a driving waveform to achieve a long dark state of the device. The device has potential to be applied in the optics and display industries, for applications that could include augmented reality, head-up displays, transparent OLED displays, and smart windows.