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Novel Techniques for Observing Structural Dynamics of Photoresponsive Liquid Crystals
Published on: May 29, 2018
Coherent backscattering and dynamical light localization in liquid crystals driven throughout chaotic regimes
Francesco Carbone1, Antonio De Luca, Valentin Barna
1Department of Physics, University of Calabria, LICRYL CNR-INFM and Center of Excellence CEMIF.CAL, I-87036 Rende, CS, Italy.
Optics Express
|August 6, 2009
Summary
Dynamical localization of light waves in liquid crystals is observed through coherent backscattering. This phenomenon, driven by an electric field, reveals diverse light localization scales in complex fluids.
Area of Science:
- Physics
- Optics
- Soft Matter Physics
Background:
- Coherent backscattering in complex fluids leads to enhanced backscattered light.
- Previous studies focused on disordered systems without external control.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate dynamical localization of light waves in liquid crystals.
- Analyze coherent backscattering effects in electro-hydrodynamic instabilities.
- Understand light localization scales in driven anisotropic complex fluids.
Main Methods:
- Studied coherent backscattering effects.
- Investigated liquid crystal electro-hydrodynamic instabilities.
- Applied an external electric field to drive the anisotropic complex fluid through chaotic regimes.
Main Results:
- Observed recurrent multiple scattering leading to a cone of enhanced backscattered light.
- Found that cone width and mean free path depend on dynamic scattering regimes.
- Demonstrated diverse light localization scales related to internal structures.
Conclusions:
- Anisotropic complex fluids driven by electric fields exhibit controlled light localization.
- The study provides insights into light propagation and localization in dynamic complex media.
- This work offers a new approach to controlling light localization in tunable complex fluids.
