Nonlinear Pattern Dynamics in a Liquid Crystal Light Modulator

Abstract

Pattern formation in a liquid crystal spatial light modulator with optical feedback is investigated. When spatial rotation is introduced in the pure-interferential feedback with specific commensurate angles dN=360deg/N with N=2,3,4,,, a static petal-like pattern appears in some voltage ranges. By increasing the applied voltage, the static petal-like pattern starts to fluctuate and develops space-time chaos. On the other hand, when the rotation angle deviates from the commensurate angles, the static petal-like pattern starts to rotate with a constant speed. The feedback angle dependence of the rotational velocity will be reported.