Abstract
This work demonstrates an optically switchable tristable optical switch that is based on the light–matter interactions of dichroic dyes, azo-chiral and liquid crystal. Tristable attenuation, scattering, and transparent states can be achieved using the dichroic dye doped fingerprint, focal conic, and homeotropic textures, respectively. All states can stably exist for several hours, and be switched from one state to another through light-induced isomerization effect of azo-chiral. Such a multi-stable optical switch exhibits easy switching, a desirable contrast ratio, and low power consumption. It therefore exhibits the potential to be utilized in practical portable information systems
© 2014 Optical Society of America
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