Numéro
J. Phys. Colloques
Volume 49, Numéro C2, Juin 1988
Optical Bistability - IV
Page(s) C2-141 - C2-144
DOI https://doi.org/10.1051/jphyscol:1988233
Optical Bistability - IV

J. Phys. Colloques 49 (1988) C2-141-C2-144

DOI: 10.1051/jphyscol:1988233

POLARISATION SWITCHING AND SUBMILLIWATT LASER DIODE INDUCED BISTABILITY IN NEMATIC LIQUID CRYSTALS

A.D. LLOYD et B.S. WHERRETT

Department of Physics, Heriot-Watt University, Riccarton, GB-Edinburgh EH14 4AS, Scotland, Great-Britain


Abstract
Polarisation bistability and optical switches at power levels as low as 14 µW, allowing operation with compact disc laser systems, are reported in optimised cavities containing planar-aligned nematic liquid crystals.