Optically-induced molecular reorientation in nematic liquid crystals and nonlinear optical processes in the nanoseconds regime

Journal Article · Sun Feb 01 00:00:00 EST 1987 · IEEE J. Quant. Electron.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1109/JQE.1987.1073318· OSTI ID:6719616

Khoo, I C; Michael, R R; Yan, P Y

The authors present a detailed theoretical analysis and experimental study of purely optically-induced nematic axis reorientation and the associated nonlinear optical processes such as self-phase modulations and optical switching. It is shown that under a sufficiently intense layer field (--100 MW/cm/sup 2/), nematic liquid crystals will respond in the nanosecond regime. Single nanosecond laser pulse self-phase modulation and intensity switching effects are observed. The magnitude and dynamics of the response are in agreement with theoretical expectations. Optical power limiting and switching efforts associated with self-phase modulations are also demonstrated.

• Research Organization: Dept. of Electrical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State Univ., University Park, PA 16802
• OSTI ID: 6719616
• Journal Information: IEEE J. Quant. Electron.; (United States), Vol. QE-23:2
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

42 ENGINEERING
LASERS
MODULATION
NONLINEAR OPTICS
Q-SWITCHING
LIQUID CRYSTALS
MOLECULAR STRUCTURE
ORIENTATION
PULSES
CRYSTALS
FLUIDS
LIQUIDS
OPTICS
420300* - Engineering- Lasers- (-1989)