Abstract
We report the development of an all-optical liquid-crystal (LC) switch realized by laser manipulation of a three-dimensionally trapped micrometer-size nematic liquid-crystal droplet. Transmission of a polarizer/LC droplet/analyzer system can be modulated at a frequency as high as 103 Hz for micrometer sized LC droplets. An optical switching corresponds to the rotation of the LC droplet by an angle of π/4. The dependence of rotation frequency on LC droplet size is explained in terms of the circularly polarized light scattering by the molecules of the LC droplet. This scattering is responsible for the transfer of angular momentum from the light to the LC droplet.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 518-520 |
| Number of pages | 3 |
| Journal | Japanese Journal of Applied Physics, Part 1: Regular Papers and Short Notes and Review Papers |
| Volume | 38 |
| Issue number | 5 PART 2 |
| Publication status | Published - 1999 May 1 |
| Externally published | Yes |
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Keywords
- Laser trapping
- Light scattering
- Liquid crystal
- Micromachining
- Optical switching
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Physics and Astronomy (miscellaneous)
Cite this
Juodkazis, S., Shikata, M., Takahashi, T., Matsuo, S., & Misawa, H. (1999). Size Dependence of Rotation Frequency of Individual Laser Trapped Liquid Crystal Droplets. Japanese Journal of Applied Physics, Part 1: Regular Papers and Short Notes and Review Papers, 38(5 PART 2), 518-520.