Open AccessBistable light-driven π phase switching using a twisted nematic liquid crystal film
Author(s) -
Chun-Wei Chen,
Cheng-Chang Li,
HungChang Jau,
Chun-Hong Lee,
Chun-Ta Wang,
TsungHsien Lin
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
optics express
Language(s) - Uncategorized
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.394
H-Index - 271
ISSN - 1094-4087
DOI - 10.1364/oe.22.012133
Subject(s) - liquid crystal , bistability , materials science , optics , azobenzene , phase (matter) , dopant , biaxial nematic , chromophore , optical bistability , optical switch , circular polarization , optoelectronics , nonlinear optics , doping , polymer , physics , chemistry , photochemistry , laser , quantum mechanics , microstrip , composite material
A light-activated optical phase switch was developed, exploiting the conversion between left-handed and right-handed twisted nematic liquid crystals. Theoretical and experimental analyses revealed that the handedness inversion of the twisted nematic film altered the optical phase of the output waves by π. Herein, the competition between the helical twisting powers of the two reverse-handed chiral dopants determines the handedness of the twisted nematic film. The photo-responsibility and the bistability are attributed to the azobenzene chromophores in one of the chiral additives.