Observations of diffraction and self diffraction effects during two wave mixing in a nematic liquid crystal

Abstract

We report observations of the diffraction pattern resulting when a nematic liquid crystal is illuminated with two equal power, high intensity beams of light from an Ar+ laser. The time evolution of the pattern is followed from the initial production of higher diffraction orders to a final striking display arising as a result of the self-diffraction of the two incident beams. The experimental results are described with good approximation by a model assuming a phase distribution at the output plane of the liquid crystal in the form of the sum of a gaussian and a sinusoid.

Uncontrolled Keywords: diffraction pattern, nematic liquid crystal, high intensity beams, Ar+ laser, time evolution
Publication ISSN: 0030-4018
Last Modified: 23 Oct 2019 11:29
Date Deposited: 04 May 2011 10:26
Published Date: 1992-05-01
Authors: Webb, David J.
Elston, S.J.
Solymar, L.

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