Liquid crystal-based infrared light switch module and infrared detector

Abstract

The invention provides a liquid crystal-based infrared light switch module and an infrared detector, and the light transmission direction controlled by a wire grating polarization assembly in the liquid crystal-based infrared light switch module is perpendicular to or parallel to the initial arrangement direction of liquid crystal molecules of a liquid crystal layer in a liquid crystal micro-optical assembly. Therefore, after the liquid crystal micro-optical assembly is connected to an external electric field, the polarization adjustment effect of the liquid crystal micro-optical assembly on the target light wave is matched with the polarization adjustment effect of the wire grating polarization assembly on the target light wave, and the emergent light intensity of the target light wave is effectively adjusted in different switching states. Finally, the liquid crystal-based infrared light switch module is placed in front of a photosensitive structure of an infrared detector to achieve the switching purpose, the technical problem that the infrared detector is damaged due to too large emergent light intensity is solved, and a foundation is laid for further development of an infrared full-wave-band camera.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of infrared detection, and in particular to a liquid crystal-based infrared light switch module and an infrared detector. Background Art

[0002] All objects in nature with a temperature higher than absolute zero radiate infrared rays. Short-wave infrared of 1-3 microns, mid-wave infrared of 3-5 microns, and long-wave infrared of 8-14 microns are less likely to be absorbed by the atmosphere and other substances compared to other bands, and are three classic "atmospheric windows" in the infrared band. Detecting infrared rays in these window bands can observe the situation in the detection area at night or in foggy environments. At present, China has developed a series of imaging detection devices for infrared precision imaging in different bands. The photosensitive elements of these infrared detectors generally use photon detection or thermistor detection, and need to be replaced according to different infrared band requirements, lacking a full-band pixel-level infrared camera that can cover all typical infrared windows.

[0003] The infrared focal plane array detector technology developed at present is not very mature and there are technical bottlenecks. On the one hand, it is manifested that there are restrictions on the range of infrared radiation energy received by detection. Once it exceeds the radiation range that the detector can withstand, it will, in the light case, form memory traces on the involved pixel elements that cannot be restored in a short time, and in the heavy case, directly damage these pixel elements, forming permanent bad points on the imaging focal plane. Under the existing technical conditions, in order to avoid the above problems, scientific researchers usually equip a series of light intensity attenuation filters when the infrared camera leaves the factory. These attenuation filters usually use materials that absorb infrared in the target detection band for percentage absorption, such as setting attenuation filters of 50%, 80%, and 90%. The attenuation ratio is fixed and cannot be adjusted, and these attenuation filters need to be manually replaced during use. However, the radiation exposure time in normal use scenarios is often very short, and it often causes irreversible damage to the camera instantaneously before it is too late to replace the attenuation filter, greatly increasing the requirements for users.

[0004] Therefore, how to design an intelligent infrared typical band full-coverage switch technology that can be flexibly adjusted is also an important issue in the development of infrared detection technology. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a liquid crystal-based infrared light switch module and an infrared detector, which are used to solve the technical problem that the existing infrared detector is damaged due to the excessive emitted light intensity of the target light wave.

[0006] To solve the above technical problems, the present invention provides a liquid crystal-based infrared optical switch module, which includes a liquid crystal micro-optical component and a wire grid polarization component located on the light-emitting side of the liquid crystal micro-optical component. The liquid crystal micro-optical component is used to adjust the polarization state of the target light wave once after an external electric field is applied, and the wire grid polarization component is used to adjust the polarization state of the target light wave twice. Wherein, the light transmission direction controlled by the wire grid polarization component is perpendicular or parallel to the initial arrangement direction of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer of the liquid crystal micro-optical component.

[0007] Preferably, the liquid crystal micro-optical component sequentially includes a first substrate, a first electrode layer, a first alignment layer, a liquid crystal layer, a second alignment layer, a second electrode layer, and a second substrate along the propagation direction of the target light wave. The wire grid polarization component is disposed on the side of the second substrate away from the first substrate.

[0008] Preferably, both the first substrate and the second substrate can transmit infrared light in the 1-14 μm band.

[0009] Preferably, the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer are positive nematic liquid crystals.

[0010] Preferably, the molecular alignment direction of the first alignment layer is perpendicular to the molecular alignment direction of the second alignment layer.

[0011] Preferably, the light transmission direction controlled by the wire grid polarization component is perpendicular to the initial arrangement direction of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer of the liquid crystal micro-optical component. Wherein, when the external voltage is between the root mean square voltage of the working threshold voltage and the saturation voltage, the liquid crystal-based infrared optical switch module controls the output light intensity of the target light wave to increase with the increase of the external voltage.

[0012] Preferably, when the external voltage between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer is less than the working threshold voltage, the liquid crystal-based infrared optical switch module blocks the target light wave; when the external voltage is greater than the root mean square voltage of the saturation voltage, the liquid crystal-based infrared optical switch module controls the output light intensity of the target light wave to emit at the maximum value.

[0013] Preferably, the light transmission direction controlled by the wire grid polarization component is parallel to the initial arrangement direction of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer of the liquid crystal micro-optical component. Wherein, when the external voltage is between the root mean square voltage of the working threshold voltage and the saturation voltage, the liquid crystal-based infrared optical switch module controls the output light intensity of the target light wave to decrease with the increase of the external voltage.

[0014] Preferably, when the external voltage between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer is less than the working threshold voltage, the liquid crystal-based infrared optical switch module controls the output light intensity of the target light wave to emit at the maximum value; when the external voltage is greater than the root mean square voltage of the saturation voltage, the liquid crystal-based infrared optical switch module blocks the target light wave.

[0015] Accordingly, the present invention further provides an infrared detector, including the liquid crystal-based infrared light switch module as described in any one of the above.

[0016] The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: Different from the prior art, the present invention provides a liquid crystal-based infrared light switch module and an infrared detector. The light transmission direction controlled by the wire grid polarization component in the above liquid crystal-based infrared light switch module is perpendicular or parallel to the initial arrangement direction of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer of the liquid crystal micro-optical component. Thus, the polarization adjustment effect of the liquid crystal micro-optical component on the target light wave after accessing an external electric field cooperates with the polarization adjustment effect of the wire grid polarization component on the target light wave. Furthermore, the output light intensity of the target light wave is effectively adjusted in different switch states. Finally, the above liquid crystal-based infrared light switch module is placed in front of the photosensitive structure of the infrared detector to achieve the switching purpose, avoiding the technical problem that the infrared detector is damaged due to too large output light intensity, and laying a foundation for the further development of infrared full-band cameras. Description of the Drawings

[0017] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the overall device structure of the liquid crystal-based infrared light switch module provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention; Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of the wire grid polarization component of the zinc selenide substrate provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention; Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of the optical path of the liquid crystal-based infrared light switch module in the "on" state provided in Embodiment 2 of the present invention; Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of the optical path of the liquid crystal-based infrared light switch module in the "off" state provided in Embodiment 2 of the present invention; Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of the optical path of the liquid crystal-based infrared light switch module in the "intermediate state" provided in Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0018] In the figure: 100 - liquid crystal-based infrared light switch module; 10 - liquid crystal micro-optical component; 11 - first substrate; 12 - first electrode layer; 13 - first alignment layer; 14 - liquid crystal layer; 15 - second alignment layer; 16 - second electrode layer; 17 - second substrate; 20 - wire grid polarization component; 21 - gear. Detailed Embodiments

[0019] Next, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described in conjunction with the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, rather than all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative efforts shall fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0020] The object of the present invention is to address the deficiencies of the prior art and provide a liquid crystal-based infrared optical switch module 100 and an infrared detector, which can effectively adjust the output light intensity of the target light wave in different switch states. Finally, by placing the above liquid crystal-based infrared optical switch module 100 in front of the photosensitive structure of the infrared detector, the switching purpose can be achieved, avoiding the technical problem that the infrared detector is damaged due to too high output light intensity.

[0021] The technical solution of the present invention will now be described in conjunction with specific embodiments.

[0022] Embodiment 1: Please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 1 , which is a schematic diagram of the overall device structure of the liquid crystal-based infrared optical switch module 100 provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Among them, the liquid crystal-based infrared optical switch module 100 includes a liquid crystal micro-optical component 10 and a wire grid polarization component 20 located on the light output side of the liquid crystal micro-optical component 10. The liquid crystal micro-optical component 10 is used to perform a primary adjustment on the polarization state of the target light wave after accessing an external electric field, and the wire grid polarization component 20 is used to perform a secondary adjustment on the polarization state of the target light wave. Among them, the light transmission direction controlled by the wire grid polarization component 20 is perpendicular or parallel to the initial arrangement direction of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 14 of the liquid crystal micro-optical component 10. The liquid crystal micro-optical device is the flexible electro-control part of the liquid crystal-based infrared optical switch module 100, and the wire grid polarization component 20 plays a role in filtering the polarization state of the incident light wave.

[0023] The liquid crystal-based infrared optical switch module 100 provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention does not require a complex discrete attenuation sheet design. By integrating the liquid crystal micro-optical component 10 and the wire grid polarization component 20, an external electric field is applied to the liquid crystal micro-optical component 10 to change the orientation vector distribution of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 14, thereby performing a primary adjustment on the polarization state of the incident medium and long-wave infrared light wave. Subsequently, a secondary adjustment is performed through the wire grid polarization component 20, and the adjustment results of the two polarization states can be superimposed to form the final polarization state of the output light wave. This integrated structure is placed in front of the photosensitive structure of the infrared detector to achieve the switching purpose.

[0024] Specifically, the liquid crystal micro-optical component 10 mainly operates using the electro-optical properties of liquid crystals. Before accessing an external electric field, the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 14 have their initial arrangement state. When an external electric field is accessed, the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules will change. Since the arrangement direction of the liquid crystal molecules is closely related to the polarization state of light, this change in orientation will perform a primary adjustment on the polarization state of the target light wave passing through the liquid crystal micro-optical component 10. For example, changes in the twist degree and orientation angle of the liquid crystal molecules can rotate the polarization direction of the incident linearly polarized light by a certain angle, thereby changing the polarization state of the light.

[0025] Specifically, the main function of the wire-grid polarizing component 20 is to perform a secondary adjustment on the polarization state of the target light wave. The wire-grid polarizing component 20 operates based on its own physical structure and has a specific light transmission direction. When the light wave exits the liquid crystal micro-optical component 10 and enters the wire-grid polarizing component 20, only the polarized light that conforms to the light transmission direction of the wire-grid polarizing component 20 can pass through, while the non-conforming light is blocked or reflected, thereby achieving further screening and adjustment of the polarization state of the light wave.

[0026] Furthermore, when the light transmission direction controlled by the wire-grid polarizing component 20 is perpendicular to the initial arrangement direction of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 14 of the liquid crystal micro-optical component 10, in the initial state (without applying an external electric field), due to the initial arrangement of the liquid crystal molecules, the polarization directions of the incident light and the outgoing light may be perpendicular to each other. Combining with the characteristics of the wire-grid polarizing component 20, it is possible that no light that satisfies the outgoing polarization condition can pass through, and the liquid crystal-based infrared light switch module 100 presents a blocking state. When an external electric field is applied, the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules changes, and gradually, light that satisfies the outgoing polarization condition can pass through, and the light intensity can be adjusted by changing the magnitude of the electric field, ultimately realizing the conversion of the light switch function from blocking to passing through.

[0027] Furthermore, when the light transmission direction controlled by the wire-grid polarizing component 20 is parallel to the initial arrangement direction of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 14 of the liquid crystal micro-optical component 10, when the liquid crystal molecules are not disturbed by the electric field or are twisted by a certain angle under the action of an appropriate electric field, the polarization direction of the light passing through the liquid crystal micro-optical component 10 can be consistent with the light transmission direction of the wire-grid polarizing component 20, thereby enabling the light to pass through smoothly and realizing the "on" state of the light switch. When the liquid crystal molecules are rearranged under the action of the electric field such that the polarization direction of the light does not conform to the light transmission direction of the wire-grid polarizing component 20, the "off" state will occur. This parallel relationship also provides an effective switching control mechanism for the light switch module, and different state switches and light intensity adjustments of the light switch can be achieved under different electric field conditions.

[0028] Therefore, through the cooperation of the polarization adjustment effect of the liquid crystal micro-optical component 10 on the target light wave after accessing the external electric field and the polarization adjustment effect of the wire-grid polarizing component 20 on the target light wave, the outgoing light intensity of the target light wave can be effectively adjusted in different switch states, and ultimately, the above-mentioned liquid crystal-based infrared light switch module 100 can be placed in front of the photosensitive structure of the infrared detector to achieve the switching purpose.

[0029] In Embodiment 1 of the present invention, the liquid crystal micro-optical component 10 sequentially includes a first substrate 11, a first electrode layer 12, a first alignment layer 13, a liquid crystal layer 14, a second alignment layer 15, a second electrode layer 16, and a second substrate 17 along the propagation direction of the target light wave. The wire grid polarization component 20 is disposed on the side of the second substrate 17 away from the first substrate 11; wherein, the thickness of the liquid crystal micro-optical device is in the millimeter range, which can greatly reduce the thickness of the liquid crystal-based infrared light switch module 100 after overall integration.

[0030] Specifically, both the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 17 can transmit light in the 1-14 μm infrared band with high transmittance. This provides a basic guarantee for the smooth entry and exit of the target light wave into and out of the liquid crystal micro-optical component 10. As the outer support structure of the entire component, they carry the internal functional layers, ensuring the structural stability of the component and enabling the normal progress of the internal optical and electrical processes.

[0031] Specifically, the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 14 are positive nematic liquid crystals, which have unique electro-optical properties. Under the action of an external electric field, the liquid crystal molecules can flexibly change their own orientations, thereby affecting the polarization state of the passing target light wave. This ability to change the polarization state is the core of realizing different working states and light intensity adjustment functions of the liquid crystal-based infrared light switch module 100.

[0032] Specifically, neither the first electrode layer 12 nor the second electrode layer 16 requires a patterned design, and they are electrically connected to the external electric field using conductive tapes with good electrical conductivity.

[0033] Specifically, the molecular orientation direction of the first alignment layer 13 is perpendicular to the molecular orientation direction of the second alignment layer 15. This orthogonal setting plays a key guiding role for the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 14. The liquid crystal molecules will present a specific initial arrangement according to the directions of these two alignment layers. Usually, a certain twisted structure will be formed, for example, the liquid crystal molecules may be gradually twisted by a certain angle from top to bottom, laying a foundation for subsequent adjustment of the light polarization state by the electric field.

[0034] Specifically, the light transmission direction controlled by the wire grid polarization component 20 is perpendicular to the initial arrangement direction of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 14 of the liquid crystal micro-optical component 10; the wire grid direction of the wire grid polarization component 20 is as Figure 1 shown by the parallel long strip patterns in

[0035] Further, when the external voltage is between the working threshold voltage and the root mean square voltage of the saturation voltage, the liquid crystal-based infrared light switch module 100 controls the output light intensity of the target light wave to increase as the external voltage increases. When the external voltage between the first electrode layer 12 and the second electrode layer 16 is less than the working threshold voltage, the liquid crystal-based infrared light switch module 100 blocks the target light wave; when the external voltage is greater than the root mean square voltage of the saturation voltage, the liquid crystal-based infrared light switch module 100 controls the output light intensity of the target light wave to be emitted at the maximum value.

[0036] Please refer to Figure 2 , Figure 2 FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram of a wire grid polarization component of a zinc selenide substrate provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention; wherein, the wire grid polarization component 20 includes a gear 21 with scales, which is rotatable, and the vertically symmetric white markings represent the wire grid arrangement direction. It should be noted that the polarization direction of the light that can pass through the wire grid polarization component 20 is the horizontal direction perpendicular to the wire grid arrangement direction. Therefore, in the Figure 1 displayed scenario, the light transmission direction controlled by the wire grid polarization component 20 is perpendicular to the initial orientation of the adjacent liquid crystal micro-optical device end.

[0037] Specifically, the specific process of the liquid crystal-based infrared light switch module 100 provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention to achieve different switching states for the target light wave is as follows: In Figure 1 the initial state of the scenario, no external voltage is applied to the first electrode layer 12 and the second electrode layer 16. At this time, due to the initial orthogonal anchoring and the twisting characteristics of the nematic liquid crystal molecules, the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 14 will gradually twist 90° from top to bottom, making the incident light wave and the output light wave passing through the liquid crystal micro-optical component 10 in mutually perpendicular polarization states. Since the transmission polarization direction of the wire grid polarization structure is perpendicular to the output direction, no light that satisfies the output polarization condition can pass through, and the liquid crystal-based infrared light switch module 100 exhibits a blocking switching characteristic.

[0038] When the external voltage applied to the first electrode layer 12 and the second electrode layer 16 is between the working threshold voltage and the root mean square voltage of the saturation voltage, the rod-shaped positive nematic liquid crystal molecules will swing along the electric field direction. At this time, a small amount of light that satisfies the output polarization condition can pass through, and the transmitted light intensity can be continuously adjusted to increase as the external voltage increases. When the external voltage applied to the first electrode layer 12 and the second electrode layer 16 is greater than the root mean square voltage of the saturation voltage, except for the molecular layers with strong anchoring effects at both ends of the liquid crystal molecular layer, the liquid crystal molecules in the layer will deflect the director direction to form a uniform arrangement state along the electric field direction. At this time, the twisting effect disappears, the output end of the liquid crystal micro-optical device does not change the polarization direction of the target infrared at the input end, and the output end of the wire grid polarization component 20 can emit the target infrared at the maximum light intensity, showing a transmission switching characteristic.

[0039] Embodiment 2: The overall device structure of the liquid crystal-based infrared optical switch module 100 provided in Embodiment 2 of the present invention is substantially the same as that of the liquid crystal-based infrared optical switch module 100 provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention, and the difference lies only in that: the light transmission direction controlled by the wire grid polarization component 20 is parallel to the initial arrangement direction of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 14 of the liquid crystal micro-optical component 10.

[0040] Specifically, when the external voltage is between the root mean square voltage of the working threshold voltage and the saturation voltage, the output light intensity of the target light wave controlled by the liquid crystal-based infrared optical switch module 100 decreases as the external voltage increases; when the external voltage between the first electrode layer 12 and the second electrode layer 16 is less than the working threshold voltage, the output light intensity of the target light wave controlled by the liquid crystal-based infrared optical switch module 100 is emitted at the maximum value; when the external voltage is greater than the root mean square voltage of the saturation voltage, the liquid crystal-based infrared optical switch module 100 blocks the target light wave.

[0041] Please refer to Figures 3 to 5 , Figure 3 , which is the optical path schematic diagram of the liquid crystal-based infrared optical switch module 100 provided in Embodiment 2 of the present invention in the "on" state; Figure 4 , which is the optical path schematic diagram of the liquid crystal-based infrared optical switch module 100 provided in Embodiment 2 of the present invention in the "off" state; Figure 5 , which is the optical path schematic diagram of the liquid crystal-based infrared optical switch module 100 provided in Embodiment 2 of the present invention in the "intermediate state".

[0042] Specifically, Figure 3 The incident polarized light wave in Figure 4 rotates its polarization direction by 90° after passing through the liquid crystal micro-optical device and then passes through the wire grid polarization structure and exits, which is the "on" state of the liquid crystal-based infrared optical switch module 100 provided in Embodiment 2 of the present invention. In Figure 5 shown, the director of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal micro-optical device is parallel to the electric field lines, and the incident polarized light wave exits along the original polarization direction after passing through the liquid crystal micro-optical device and is blocked by the wire grid polarization structure, which is the "off" state of the liquid crystal-based infrared optical switch module 100 provided in Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Similarly, when the external voltage is between the working threshold voltage and the root mean square voltage of the saturation voltage, the output intensity of the target infrared light can be adjusted, that is, the "intermediate state" of the liquid crystal-based infrared optical switch module 100 provided in Embodiment 2 of the present invention, as shown in

[0043] Specifically, the liquid crystal-based infrared light switch module 100 provided by the present invention is based on the electro-optical effect of positive nematic liquid crystal molecules and the filtering characteristics of the wire grid polarization component 20 for the target light wave. Its working process is as follows: First, perform an orientation operation on the light transmission direction of the wire grid polarization component 20 that is perpendicular or parallel to the initial orientation direction of the liquid crystal molecules at the end of the adjacent liquid crystal micro-optical device; then connect a set of electronic signal components that can provide drive control signals and regulation signals to the first electrode layer 12 and the second electrode layer 16 of the liquid crystal micro-optical device to obtain a timing voltage signal with characteristic frequencies, amplitudes, and duty cycles during its regulation process; finally, adjust the voltage signal in the optical path to achieve modulation of the intensity of the incident medium and long-wave infrared light in the incident photosensitive component.

[0044] In the liquid crystal-based infrared light switch module 100 provided by the present invention, the calibration process of the linear polarization structure is completed by rotating the size scale, and the wire grid polarization component 20 is not operated during the use state of the switch after calibration.

[0045] Correspondingly, the present invention also provides an infrared detector, including the liquid crystal-based infrared light switch module 100 as described in any one of the above.

[0046] Different from the prior art, the liquid crystal-based infrared light switch module 100 provided by the present invention has the following advantages: First, after calibration, the liquid crystal-based infrared light switch module 100 is integrated with the liquid crystal micro-optical component 10. The two calibration modes of the wire grid polarization component 20 can be flexibly adjusted according to the actual application scenario requirements, and no operation is required during the use process after calibration, which simplifies the use requirements and greatly simplifies the operation process.

[0047] Second, the liquid crystal-based infrared light switch module 100 uses a conductive tape with good conductivity to externally connect an electric field to connect to the first electrode layer 12 and the second electrode layer 16 that are arranged staggeredly with the liquid crystal micro-optical component 10, and uses an alternating current or square wave voltage to drive the switch function.

[0048] Third, the liquid crystal-based infrared light switch module 100 utilizes the liquid crystal electro-optical characteristics to continuously adjust the output light intensity of the target light wave, so that the output light beam can not only reach the "0" and "1" switch states, but also realize continuous adjustment of the intermediate state between the two.

[0049] Fourth, the liquid crystal micro-optical device in the liquid crystal-based infrared light switch module 100 is millimeter-level, which greatly reduces the overall integrated thickness.

[0050] Fifth, the initial state of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal micro-optical part of the liquid crystal-based infrared light switch module 100 shows a continuous orthogonal twist distribution. When the light transmission direction controlled by the wire grid polarization structure is perpendicular or parallel to the initial arrangement direction of the liquid crystal molecules at the port of the adjacent liquid crystal micro-optical device, the established switch function can be exerted.

[0051] Sixth, the liquid crystal-based infrared light switch module 100 can be flexibly placed in the optical path and is simple to plug and unplug.

[0052] In summary, the liquid crystal-based infrared light switch module 100 provided in the present invention adopts an integrated structure, and flexibly adjusts the externally applied signal to control the polarization state of the target medium and long-wave infrared light wave transmission process, thereby changing the transmitted light intensity of the target medium and long-wave infrared light wave, making it have the switching characteristics of intelligent drive and control; it has the characteristics of electrically adjustable switching state, easy plugging and unplugging in the circuit, fast response speed, easy coupling with optoelectronic structures such as photosensitive arrays, etc., and is convenient to use.

[0053] It should be noted that the above embodiments all belong to the same inventive concept. The descriptions of the embodiments have their own emphases. For the parts not described in detail in individual embodiments, reference can be made to the descriptions in other embodiments.

[0054] The above embodiments only represent the implementation manners of the present invention. The descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, but they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention patent. It should be pointed out that for those of ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the inventive concept of the present invention, several deformations and improvements can still be made, and these all belong to the protection scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of the present invention patent shall be subject to the appended claims.

Claims

1. A liquid crystal-based infrared light switch module, characterized in that, It includes a liquid crystal micro-optical component and a wire grid polarizing component located on the light-emitting side of the liquid crystal micro-optical component. The liquid crystal micro-optical component is used to perform a primary adjustment on the polarization state of a target light wave after an external electric field is applied, and the wire grid polarizing component is used to perform a secondary adjustment on the polarization state of the target light wave; Among them, the light transmission direction controlled by the wire grid polarizing component is perpendicular or parallel to the initial arrangement direction of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer of the liquid crystal micro-optical component.

2. The liquid crystal-based infrared light switch module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid crystal micro-optical component sequentially includes a first substrate, a first electrode layer, a first alignment layer, the liquid crystal layer, a second alignment layer, a second electrode layer, and a second substrate along the propagation direction of the target light wave. The wire grid polarizing component is disposed on the side of the second substrate away from the first substrate.

3. The liquid crystal-based infrared light switch module according to claim 2, characterized in that, Both the first substrate and the second substrate can transmit infrared light in the 1-14 μm band.

4. The liquid crystal-based infrared light switch module according to claim 2, wherein The liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer are positive nematic liquid crystals.

5. The liquid crystal-based infrared light switch module according to claim 2, characterized in that The molecular alignment direction of the first alignment layer is perpendicular to the molecular alignment direction of the second alignment layer.

6. The liquid crystal-based infrared light switch module according to claim 2, characterized in that The light transmission direction controlled by the wire grid polarizing component is perpendicular to the initial arrangement direction of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer of the liquid crystal micro-optical component; Among them, when the external voltage is between the root mean square voltage of the working threshold voltage and the saturation voltage, the liquid crystal-based infrared light switch module controls the output light intensity of the target light wave to increase as the external voltage increases.

7. The liquid crystal-based infrared light switch module according to claim 6, characterized in that, When the external voltage between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer is less than the working threshold voltage, the liquid crystal-based infrared light switch module blocks the target light wave; when the external voltage is greater than the root mean square voltage of the saturation voltage, the liquid crystal-based infrared light switch module controls the output light intensity of the target light wave to be emitted at the maximum value.

8. The liquid crystal-based infrared light switch module according to claim 2, characterized in that, The light transmission direction controlled by the wire grid polarizing component is parallel to the initial arrangement direction of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer of the liquid crystal micro-optical component; Among them, when the external voltage is between the root mean square voltage of the working threshold voltage and the saturation voltage, the liquid crystal-based infrared light switch module controls the output light intensity of the target light wave to decrease as the external voltage increases.

9. The liquid crystal-based infrared light switch module according to claim 8, characterized in that, When the external voltage between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer is less than the working threshold voltage, the liquid crystal-based infrared light switch module controls the output light intensity of the target light wave to be emitted at the maximum value; when the external voltage is greater than the root mean square voltage of the saturation voltage, the liquid crystal-based infrared light switch module blocks the target light wave.

10. An infrared detector, characterized in that, It includes the liquid crystal-based infrared light switch module according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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