Abstract
A critical review of laser induced nonlinear index changing mechanisms in liquid crystals is presented. In some azo-compound doped nematic films, we have observed nonlinear index coefficient ≫ 1 cm2/W. The supra optical nonlinearities are attributed to photorefractivity, order parameter modification and dopant-nematic intermolecular torques. Using these nematic films, we show that it is possible to perform image processing with μW/cm2 optical intensity, and optical limiting with μW power lasers.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 141-149 |
Number of pages | 9 |
Journal | Molecular Crystals and Liquid Crystals Science and Technology Section A: Molecular Crystals and Liquid Crystals |
Volume | 364 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jan 1 2001 |
All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes
- Condensed Matter Physics