Abstract

A large nonlinear optical effect can be observed in the nematic liquid crystal phase.^1-3 This Is due to the orientational deformation of the liquid crystal by the optical field. There are various possible device configurations exploiting surface orientation forces and applied electric or magnetic fields. However, the device is limited by a response time constant of the order of seconds. The conditions for increasing the response speed and fundamental time constant limitations are examined.

© 1983 Optical Society of America