journal article·2026-02Open access

Phase Topology Stability of an Optical Vortex via an Electrically Controlled Twist‐Planar Oriented Liquid Crystal Fresnel Lens

Elena Melnikova, Katsiaryna Pantsialeyeva, Dmitry Gorbach, Alexei Tolstik, Sergei Slussarenko Jr., Alina Karabchevsky

Advanced Optical Materials· Volume 14· Issue 5

Abstract

Abstract The stability of optical vortices (OVs) remains a key barrier to their integration in scalable photonic systems, despite their transformative potential in optical communication, sensing, and information processing. Here, a novel voltage‐tunable Fresnel lens based on a twist‐planar liquid crystal (LC) configuration is presented, enabling dynamic control and real‐time analysis of OV phase topology. This material platform exploits the intrinsic birefringence and electro‐optic responsiveness of LCs to achieve dual‐function operation: detection of topological charge and propagation of singular beams, modulated via low‐voltage actuation (0–35 V). The adaptive optical phase control is realized without altering the external optical setup, simplifying device architecture and reducing system complexity. Experimental and theoretical analyses reveal a clear correlation between voltage‐induced LC orientation and the vortex intensity profile in the Fourier plane. Owing to its low power consumption, compact footprint, and integration compatibility, this reconfigurable LC‐based lens represents a functional materials breakthrough for robust and tunable vortex‐enabled technologies.
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Research context

OpenAlex topics: Orbital Angular Momentum in Optics · Liquid Crystal Research Advancements · Near-Field Optical Microscopy

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

Belarusian State University Minsk 220030 Belarus

Queensland Quantum and Advanced Technologies Institute and ARC Centre for Quantum Computation and Communication Technology Griffith University Brisbane Queensland 4111 Australia

School of Electrical and Computer Engineering Ben‐Gurion University of the Negev Beer‐Sheva 8410501 Israel

Department of Physics Lancaster University Lancaster LA1 4YB UK

Funding

Israel Science Foundation

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