3A18 Optical switching of near-infrared laser beam by means of azobenzene liquid crystal films

Abstract

Optical switching behavior of near-infrared laser beam was explored by means of polymer azobenzene liquid crystal (PM6AB2) films. The sample film was set between two crossed polarizers, and the change in transmittance of probe light at 1,550 nm and 633 nm was measured upon irradiation with pumping light at 366 nm. It was found that the near-infrared laser beam could also be switched by the photochemical phase transition of azobenzene liquid crystals.