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Study of thermally induced optical bistability in a twisted nematic liquid crystal

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Abstract

We report the observation and study of optical bistability in the power transmitted by a twisted nematic liquid crystal bounded by crossed dichroic polarizers. A detailed study of the dependence of the phenomenon on the sample initial temperature has been performed. The effect is a good test for a simple theoretical model which describes the isotropic droplet formation in a nematic sample under laser illumination. A good agreement is found between experimental results and theoretical predictions. Applications of the effect to realize temperature sensors are envisaged.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Dipartimento di Scienze Fisiche, Università di Napoli, Piazzale Tecchio, 80, I-80125, Napoli, Italy

    L. Vicari, F. Bloisi & F. Simoni

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  1. L. Vicari
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  2. F. Bloisi
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  3. F. Simoni
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Vicari, L., Bloisi, F. & Simoni, F. Study of thermally induced optical bistability in a twisted nematic liquid crystal. Appl. Phys. B 53, 314–318 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00331819

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00331819

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