Large-aperture, wide-angle nonmechanical beam steering using polarization gratings

Liquid crystal polarization gratings (LCPGs) represent a relatively new technology capable of non-mechanically and efficiently steering light over a large field-of-regard in discrete steps. Due to their reliance on thin liquid crystal cells instead of mechanical moving parts, LCPG beam steering systems are attractive options for steering both active and passive optical sensors, especially in size, weight, and power (SWaP)-constrained platforms. This paper describes recent developments in large-aperture LCPG steering systems and summarizes the performance being achieved. (C) 2016 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE)