Simultaneous monitoring of humidity and temperature by polarization volume gratings utilizing responsive cholesteric liquid crystals

Abstract

Optical sensing devices are utilized for noncontact operation in harsh environments due to their advantage of local separation between the measurement and detector systems. Cholesteric liquid crystals (CLCs) with vivid structural colors are integrated into optical sensors, attracting significant interest for naked-eye detection. To enable vision-based, real-time remote monitoring, we propose a cost-effective method to convert the stimuli-responsive reflection change of CLCs into recordable diffraction patterns using polarization volume gratings (PVGs). This enables real-time remote readout of environmental parameters. PVGs are constructed through holographic polarization interference and photoalignment technologies. The diffraction efficiency of PVGs varies with relative humidity (RH). To improve sensing accuracy and extend the monitoring range of RH, we employ two methods: an orthogonal grating structure and dual-wavelength detection optical path. In addition, we demonstrate the simultaneous measurement of humidity and temperature by cascading independently responding PVGs. We believe that this work will provide a broader perspective and expand the application of light dimensions in LC-based optical sensing.