Active photonic integrated circuits modulated by LCs

A photonic integrated circuit (PIC) or integrated optical circuit is a device that integrates multiple (at least two) photonic functions, being as such similar to electronic integrated circuits. The connections between components are made of light waveguides; these can be active themselves ?i.e., light paths can be externally controlled? by using electrooptic (EO) materials within or onto the light path. The likelihood of liquid crystals to become EO materials for active waveguides in PICs has been explored.