Flat optics based on liquid crystal (LC), such as diffractive waveplates and LC spatial light modulators, have various applications in astronomy, optical communications, augmented/virtual reality, and LiDAR sensing. These applications demanded that LC flat optics actively controls the modulated wavefront. This study fabricated an LC grating device with periodical pretilt angle distribution by a novel photoalignment method. The photoalignment method uses an ultra-violet-light-treated polyimide alignment film. It was demonstrated that the LC grating could actively control the light propagation direction by the applied voltage. The proposed device comprises a photoalignment layer with gradually changed surface-free energy and flat electrodes on the entire surface without pixels and patterns. The photoalignment can use grey-tone masks, where the transmitted light-intensity profile is distributed. This study provides a suitable method for device fabrication, like in a flat panel display, and the proposed device finds potential applications.
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