All-optical switching of infrared optical radiation using isotropic liquid crystal

Experimental results of the transmission to total-internal reflection switching of a step-on CO/sub 2/ laser beam by a dielectric-clad, isotropic liquid crystal film is presented. The use of the isotropic phase allows for polarization independence of the processes, while maintaining a moderate thermal nonlinearity. Dependence of switching speed on incident angle and energy density is evaluated. Experimental observations of the nonlinear switching effect with microsecond CO/sub 2/ laser pulses are also presented.<
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