Thermal grating with threshold in polymer dispersed liquid crystals

F. Simoni, G. Cipparrone, D. Duca, C. Umeton, I. C. Khoo

Research output: Contribution to conferencePaperpeer-review

Abstract

Measurements of the degenerate wave mixing phenomenon that occurs between a pump and signal beam after the onset of transparency in a polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) are reported. The experimental procedure and results are described. These materials contain nematic microdroplets in a polymeric matrix; therefore, they produce a strong light scattering that depends on the difference between the refractive indices of the nematic droplets and the polymer. In a dye-doped sample, the light absorption produces thermal indexing. A strong change in the transmission occurs when the liquid-crystal droplets become isotropic, thus approaching the refractive index of the polymeric matrix. In this way, the effect of self-transparency can be observed. The results are believed to be the first demonstration of nonlinear light diffraction in a PDLC sample.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages152, 154-115
StatePublished - 1990
Event17th International Conference on Quantum Electronics - IQEC '90 - Anaheim, CA, USA
Duration: May 21 1990May 25 1990

Other

Other17th International Conference on Quantum Electronics - IQEC '90
CityAnaheim, CA, USA
Period5/21/905/25/90

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Engineering

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