Nonlinear wave propagation and spatial solitons in nematic liquid crystals

G. Assanto, M. Peccianti, K. A. Brzd_kiewicz, A. De Luca, and C. Umeton

J. Nonl. Opt. Phys. Mat. 12, 123-134 (2003)

Abstract:

Optical spatial solitons have a fundamental role in developing all-optical devices and have been demonstrated in bulk nematic liquid crystals. We present an overview of our recent experimental results on nonlinear wave propagation in nematic liquid crystals, focusing on spatial solitons through the reorientational nonlinear response. Various phenomena, including spatial readdressing, weak signal guiding and two-solitons interactions, are observed in voltage biased planar cells.