Electro-optic modulation of light by a planar waveguide based on ferroelectric liquid crystals

We present electro-optic switching from a planar waveguide with a ferroelectric liquid crystal overlayer and discuss the operating principle and the parameters significant for the operation of the device. We have found electro-optic response times of about 20 mus at best as well as a high (5.7%) transmittance in the ON-state of the device. The contrast ratio was 4:1 ON to OFF state.