A theoretical model of a new electronically switchable grating design that
uses a multilayer structure of an electro-optic (EO) material with an inter
digitated-electrode type of array is proposed as an original technique for
calculating the induced refractive index. It is shown that asymmetrical dis
tribution of the electric field induces a slanted Bragg grating, which allo
ws the slant angle to be switched electronically among more than two switch
ing status. Parameters of the suggested design are calculated for a number
of EO materials. A special case of frequency-based switching is anticipated
for some polymer-dispersed liquid-crystal materials. (C) 2001 Optical Soci
ety of America.