Abstract

Liquid crystals (LCs) have proven their practicality in information displays, yet their adoption into other information technologies remains hindered by three major challenges: the precise construction of microstructures, high-dimensional optical field manipulation, and the extension of functionalities. To address these issues, we have developed a photo-patterning technique and proposed a biphasic-associated topological evolution, which overcomes the difficulty of precisely constructing entropy-driven LC organizations. Furthermore, we have established a mapping relationship between LC hierarchical structures and optical field parameters, enabling independent modulation of separate degrees of freedom of light. New LC elements have been developed for applications such as beam steering, optical encryption, and green energy. These works pave the way for replacing traditional complex optical paths with single-layer planar optics, offering dynamic and programmable functionalities.