The effects of a laser field on phase transitions in liquid crystals

Agarwal, Amit K. ; Ranganath, G. S. (2006) The effects of a laser field on phase transitions in liquid crystals Phase Transitions: A Multinational Journal, 79 (4-5). pp. 261-275. ISSN 0141-1594

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Related URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/01411590600602156

Abstract

We investigate theoretically some phase transitions in liquid crystals in the presence of a laser beam. We found, in non-absorbing nematics, a laser-induced one-way transition from a paranematic to a nematic phase. In absorbing nematics we found, in addition to this transition, a one-way transition from a nematic to a paranematic phase with increasing laser intensity. Further, we found a reentrant nematic or a reentrant paranematic via paranematic or nematic phase respectively. In the case of smectic A, laser absorption results in a coupling between the positional and orientational orders. As a result, the smectic A to nematic transition can change from second order to first order and the smectic C to smectic A transition can become first-order in the field of a laser.

Item Type:Article
Source:Copyright of this article belongs to Taylor and Francis Group.
Keywords:Phase Transitions; Liquid Crystals; Laser Absorption
ID Code:41611
Deposited On:30 May 2011 11:21
Last Modified:30 May 2011 11:21

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