Joachim Stumpe, O. Sakhno, Y. Gritsai, R. Rosenhauer, Th. Fischer, Michael Rutloh, F. Schaal, S. Weidenfeld, M. Jetter, P. Michler, C. Pruss, W. Osten

• Passive and active polarization elements were created by surface and bulk photo-alignment of LCs, reactive LCs, photo-sensitive LCP and photo-curable monomer/LC composites. The use of different photo-sensitive liquid crystalline materials for the development of highly anisotropic elements with high spatial resolution and stability or, alternatively, fast switch ability will be discussed. Photo-active and voltage tunable polarization and diffraction elements are presented. For active micro-optic application a photo-addressed patterned retarder was created. Electrically switchable diffraction gratings were generated by interference exposure of photo-curable LC composites at room temperature characterized by droplet free morphology. These polarization sensitive diffraction elements are characterized be excellent optical properties and low switching times.