In this paper we describe a twisted nematic liquid crystal (TNLC) device structure with optical feedback capable of bistable operation and optical memory. Its structure is the conventional one as employed in hybrid optical bistability.
A design for obtaining memory in optical bistability with liquid crystals is reported. This design uses optical feedback on a twisted nematie liquid crystal ( TNLC ) through an optoelectronic system. A constant input light is the read-out and its value depends on the desired initial working point, usually at the bottom of the T(V) vs. V curve. Light levels depend on the feedback.
An input light pulse change the working point to the top of the transmission curve. When this pulse vanishes, the working point remains at the upper part of the curve. Hence a memory function is obtained. Minimum pulse width needed was 1msec. ON-OPF ratio was 100:3.
Optical bistability has been observed in a new configuration consisting of a nematic liquid crystal (ROTN 403) and a photorefractive crystal (KNbO3). The nematic liquid crystal (NLC), placed between crossed polarizers, serves as an optically controlled gate. The transmitted signal beam is amplified by photorefractive two-wave mixing and sent back onto the NLC in such a way that it changes the transmission of the gate. Bistability of the optical signal in the feedback loop with a large hysteresis is found. The bistable hysteresis curve depends on the nonlinearities of the NLC and of the photorefractive crystal, on the intensity of the storage beam and on the losses in the feedback loop.