Linear and Nonlinear Light Beam Propagation in Liquid-Crystal Waveguide Arrays

Abstract

Methods of spatial switching of laser beams in a system of coupled optical liquidcrystal waveguides with an electrically controlled depth of refractive index modulation are experimentally realized. Tuning of the parameters of the waveguide system was carried out using the electrooptic effect and the nonlinear-optical response of the liquid-crystal medium. The proposed theoretical model allows us to describe the processes of low-frequency and optical modulation of the dielectric properties of a liquid crystal, calculate the profiles of optical waveguides induced in the system, and interpret the basic laws governing the propagation of light beams in a system of coupled waveguides.