Phase contrast imaging using photothermally induced phase transitions in liquid crystals

Chandra S. Yelleswarapu, Sri Rajasekhar Kothapalli, Francisco J. Aranda, D. V.G.L.N. Rao, Yvonne R. Vaillancourt, Brian R. Kimball

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

26 Scopus citations

Abstract

Phase contrast imaging is performed for live biological species using photothermal induced birefringence in dye doped liquid crystals. Using typical 4-f configuration, when liquid crystal cell is at back focal plane of Fourier lens, low spatial frequencies at center of Fourier spectrum are intense enough to induce local liquid crystal molecules into isotropic phase, whereas high spatial frequencies on the edges are not intense enough and remain in anisotropic phase. This results in π 2 phase difference between high and low spatial frequencies. This simple, inexpensive, all-optical, user-friendly, self-adaptive phase contrast imaging technique using low-power laser offers several distinct advantages.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number211116
JournalApplied Physics Letters
Volume89
Issue number21
DOIs
StatePublished - 2006

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Physics and Astronomy (miscellaneous)

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