Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Log inSign up
Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Blog
Job Board
Q3AS

© 2026 Aqora Quantum S.A.S.

TermsPrivacyLegal Notice

Proceedings of SPIE, the International Society for Optical Engineering/Proceedings of SPIE

All-Optical Bistability In Nematic Liquid Crystals At Microwatt Power Levels

Ashley Lloyd, C. H. Wang, Brian S. Wherrett

Published Dec 22, 1989• 0 citations
Publisher

Abstract

The temporal response and stability of all-optical switches at power levels down to 14µW are studied; cell design and optimisation are also considered for extension of this work to infrared wavelengths with experimental results presented for 1.3 μm.
DOI
10.1117/12.961413

Related papers

Submilliwatt optical bistability in nematic liquid crystals at 1.3pm

C. H. Wang

The design and optimisation of devices displaying microwatt switching levels is considered with respect to an improvement in response times and extension of the operating range from the visible to the infrared, with experimental results presented for 1.3 am.

International Conference on Optoelectronic Science and Engineering '90•Dec 4, 2017•0 citations

All-optical bistability in nematic liquid crystals at 20 μW power levels

Ashley Lloyd, Brian S. Wherrett

Optical switches at power levels as low as 14 μW, allowing bistable operation with compact disk laser systems, are reported in optimized cavities containing planar-aligned nematic liquid crystals.

Applied Physics Letters•Aug 8, 1988•20 citations

Microwatt optical switching and bistability in dyed nematic liquid crystals

Ashley Lloyd, Chang H. Wang, Brian S. Wherrett

The performance of optically bistable liquid crystal interference filters with extra-cavity metallic absorbers is contrasted with designs using intra-cavity dyes with which switching levels at 4 pW are recorded. The use of these devices in parallel processing applications is also considered, with the optical implementation of a "flip-flop" and results of a 15 x 15 element array switching presented.

Proceedings of SPIE, the International Society for Optical Engineering/Proceedings of SPIE•Dec 1, 1990•0 citations

All-optical bistability in nematic liquid crystals at 20 μW power levels

Ashley Lloyd, Brian S. Wherrett

Perspectives in condensed matter physics•Jan 1, 1991•0 citations

Optical bistability in nematic liquid crystals

Shuchao Chen

Optical bistable behaviour of nematic liquid crystals in Fabry-Perot cavity has been discussed. The normal and abnormal bistable loops were also discussed. Considering thermal conductivity in F-P cavity, a theory to get very low critical switching power optical bistability was developed.

International Conference on Optoelectronic Science and Engineering '90•Dec 4, 2017•0 citations

Low power all-optical bistability in nematic liquid crystals

Ashley Lloyd, Brian S. Wherrett

Optimisation studies of nonlinear narrow pass-band interference filters have concluded that the independent tailoring of finesse and cavity length made possible by removal of absorption from within the cavity can lead to a significant reduction in operating power levels. A metallic partial mirror at the rear of the cavity is thus used as both a reflector and an absorber, with thermal conduction into the spacer leading to optothermal bistability. This design allowed the construction of rigid cavities which have been used to demonstrate optical bistability with a number of liquid phase thermo-optic materials. >

•Nov 17, 1988•0 citations
Optimisation studies of nonlinear narrow pass-band interference filters have concluded that the independent tailoring of finesse and cavity length made possible by removal of absorption from within the cavity can lead to a significant reduction in operating power levels. A metallic partial mirror at the rear of the cavity is thus used as both a reflector and an absorber, with thermal conduction into the spacer leading to optothermal bistability. This design allowed the construction of rigid cavities which have been used to demonstrate optical bistability with a number of liquid phase thermo-optic materials. >