Supra-nonlinear Nano-particulate Liquid-crystalline Opto-electronics

The main objective of the Phase 1 of the present proposal will be demonstration of feasibility of multi-functional highly nonlinear materials for photonics and opto-electronics that possess high sensitivity and allow multiple control opportunities of theirresponses to electromagnetic influences (such as laser beams, electric and magnetic fields). As prime candidate for such materials we will study liquid crystals (LC) that incorporate internal structure made of nanoparticulate networks. We will useproprietary LC with photo-excitation enhanced record high optical nonlinearity as host material, and nanoparticles of various origins such as dielectric, electroconductive, semiconductive, and magnetic for building reconfigurable networks inside LC. Theopto-electronic properties of such a material system will be characterized by spatial distribution and dynamics of LC orientation, by the geometry and the dynamics of the structure of the internal network, and inter-coupling between the network and the LC.Such combination will result in the highest number of both control and behavior parameters among all known opto-electronic materials. Coupling and interaction between the network and the LC will ensure sensitivity of the material to a variety ofelectromagnetic influences and the capability of electronically and optically switchable reconfiguration of the orientation pattern of the LC.Highly nonlinear LC with reconfigurable internal structure will advance opto-electronics beyond their presentboundaries of laser beam and optical information control and display. The most versatile multifunctional optical components with strongest light modulating capability will enhance operation of commercial and defense optical systems.