[Laser] Polarization modulation

[Glenn Thomas]

Tim -

Good digest!

In reading it, an optional method for polarization modulation came to 
mind. One might to pass the laser beam through a liquid crystal. When 
the liquid crystal is energized, the emerging beam will be polarized. 
When it's not energized, the polarization will not be affected. 
Birefringence is less sensitive than a Kerr cell, but it is much more 
widely available (read: cheaper). As I type this, I'm looking at an LCD 
digital clock with segments that are 0.5" wide - more than sufficient 
for a typical laser pointer beam at close range.

Has anyone tried this? One would have to modify the display to remove 
the rear-reflector from the LCD without damaging it. Beyond that, I 
don't know how well a display LCD would tolerate the much higher energy 
density of a laser.

Just a thought...

73 de Glenn wb6w

On 3/13/2011 7:53 PM, Tim Toast wrote:
> Here are some other mentions of polarization as modulation or other over the years:
> (from the text archives)