Observation of PDLCs by SHG laser scanning microscopy using a liquid crystal vector beam generator

Abstract

We have succeeded in observing a structure of polymer-dispersed liquid crystal cell using the SHG laser scanning microscopy that combined with the Z-poIarization mode converter we have developed. SHG phenomenon should be occurred in surface boundary between liquid crystal molecules and polymer structure since inversion symmetry of liquid crystal molecules is collapsed. This method has an advantage of non-destructive measurement compared to SEM micrographs.