Beam propagation method modelling of zenithal bistable nematic devices: Analysis and assessment

Modelling of liquid crystal optics is commonly based on variants of matrix- type solvers, which are ideally suited for addressing light wave propagatio n in stratified anisotropic media. Liquid crystal devices with complex dire ctor structures on the micron scale require more rigorous methods Tur predi cting their optical response. Two potential candidate methods exist: the Be am Propagation Method and the Finite-Difference Time Domain Method. The sco pe of this paper is to apply the former and assess its accuracy against the latter, which is considered to be more general. The analysis and assessmen t is focused on Zenithal Bistable Nematic devices.