In composite systems, optical fields may change the refractive index mismatch between components of the system, and thus affect the scattering of incident radiation by the bulk sample. We discuss this mechanism in polymer dispersed liquid crystal films. These composite materials consist of liquid crystal droplets dispersed in a polymer binder. Optical fields affect the orientational order of the liquid crystal in the inclusions, and hence alter the refractive index mismatch. We report observations of scattering in polymer dispersed liquid crystal films induced by a CW Ar+ laser. The scattering is due to both reorientation and thermal effects. An attempt is made to assess the relative contribution of these two mechanisms, and experimental results are compared with theoretical predictions.

Date Published: 30 August 1989
PDF: 9 pages
Proc. SPIE 1105, Materials for Optical Switches, Isolators, and Limiters, (30 August 1989); doi: 10.1117/12.960609

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 1105:
Materials for Optical Switches, Isolators, and Limiters
M. J. Soileau, Editor(s)