Modulation of Light Transmission in Self-Organized Ensembles of Nematic Domains

Abstract

Using an electric field, the transmission of light passing through self-organized ensembles of nematic domains is studied. Modulation characteristics of the ensembles containing domains with non-oriented and magnetic-field-oriented disclination lines are compared. A significant decrease in light scattering is shown when disclination lines are oriented. The calculated and well agreeing with them experimental dependences of light transmission on electric voltage applied to liquid crystal cells are obtained and presented. Oscillations on light transmission curves are studied. Superpositions of ordinary and extraordinary waves propagating through the domain ensembles and homogeneous planar liquid crystal layers are considered. The spectral characteristics of the ensembles are presented.