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Title

Laser manipulation based on a light-induced molecular reordering

Author(s)

Murazawa, Naoki;  Juodkazis, Saulius;  Misawa, Hiroaki

Abstract

We report on a novel principle of actuation of micrometer-sized liquid crystal droplets. It is based on a light-induced reordering of liquid crystal molecules inside the droplets. Polariscope imaging allowed to evaluate the birefringence change inside the micro-droplets. Directional actuation of the trapped droplet was achieved by cycling laser power with the direction defined by the polarization of the tweezing beam. Micro-actuation resulted from optically-induced birefringence; i.e., a nonlinear optical effect was utilized for mechanical manipulation of the micro-droplet. This principle of actuation can be used to induce molecular flows in sub-micrometer volumes.

Publication type

Journal article

Source

Optics Express, Vol. 14, no. 6 (Mar 2006), pp. 2481-2486

Publication year

2006

FOR Code(s)

0205 Optical Physics;  0903 Biomedical Engineering;  1113 Ophthalmology and Optometry

Keyword(s)

Birefringence;  Directional actuation;  Drop breakup;  Imaging techniques;  Laser applications;  Laser manipulation;  Liquid crystals;  Micro-actuation;  Micrometers;  Molecules;  Optically-induced birefringence;  Polariscope imaging;  Polariscopes;  Polarization;  Trapped droplets;  Tweezing beams

Publisher

Optical Society of America

ISSN

1094-4087

Publisher URL

http://dx.doi.org/10.1364/oe.14.002481

Copyright

Copyright © 2006 Optical Society of America. Published version of the paper reproduced here in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher. This paper was published in Optics Express and is made available as an electronic reprint with the permission of OSA. The paper can be found at the following URL on the OSA website: http://dx.doi.org/10.1364/oe.14.002481. Systematic or multiple reproduction or distribution to multiple locations via electronic or other means is prohibited and is subject to penalties under law.

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