Abstract

Using highly nonlinear and transparent liquid crystals in their mesophases and liquids, it is possible to construct practical optical switches that operate in the visible as well as the infrared spectral regimes, using the nonlinear interface electrodynamic effects (total internal reflection to or from transmission states). We show by theories and experiments that the dynamics of these processes are all highly dependent on the thickness of the nonlinear film, as well as other spatio-optical-geometrical factors. Furthermore, in the case of total reflection to transmission switching, the increasing penetration of the incident laser into the nonlinear film, in conjunction with its spatial intensity profile, could lead to highly intensity dependent spatial phase modulation effects. With appropriate coatings and optical system designs, these effects could be used to enhance the performance of nonlinear optical switches.

© 1991 Optical Society of America