Designing an electro-optical module based on an LCPG switch for a 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser rangefinder

We designed an electro-optical module based on a liquid crystal polarization grating (LCPG) switch for a neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet, Nd:Y₃Al₅O₁₂, laser rangefinder with wavelength 1064 nm. Compared to other similar cases, the advantages of this design include maximization of the transmission percentage of the diffractive element (particularly first-order diffraction) and minimization of the light-leakage rate caused by zero order, and other unwanted diffractive orders. The conditions were prepared for using diffractive elements (gratings) with shorter periods and acquisition of diffraction orders with greater diffraction angles by benefitting from suitable compounds of LC in the given design. Similarly, the required measures were taken for the deletion of adverse effects caused by reflection from optic surfaces so that a very appropriate status was prepared for the function of the LCPG shutter. (paper)