ISSN:
1089-7550
Source:
AIP Digital Archive
Topics:
Physics
Notes:
We attempted formation of holographic gratings in an optically isotropic state of polymer azobenzene liquid-crystal films. On irradiation of writing beams at 488 nm, first-order diffraction beams of a probe beam at 633 nm were immediately observed even though the films exhibited the optically isotropic state. The diffraction beams quickly disappeared by turning off the writing beams. The first-order diffraction efficiency was affected by polarization of the writing beams. When unpolarized light was employed as the writing beams, diffraction beams were hardly observed. On the other hand, the highest diffraction efficiency was obtained with the linearly polarized writing beams. It is speculated that photoinduced alignment of azobenzene moieties in bright fringes of the interference pattern would be responsible for the grating formation. Furthermore, it was found that rubbing treatment slightly enhanced the diffraction efficiency. By turning on and off the writing beams, dynamic control of the diffraction beams could be achieved. © 2000 American Institute of Physics.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.1287761
