MANIPULATION OF LIQUID-CRYSTAL TEXTURES WITH A FOCUSED NEAR-INFRARED LASER-BEAM

Optical manipulation of disclinations and defects in liquid crystal fi lms was demonstrated and discussed in terms of mass transfer induced b y radiation pressure and of molecular rotation under the optical elect ric field. Orientation of liquid crystal molecules was controlled by c hanging the polarization direction of a focused cw laser beam. A discl ination line could be deformed by moving the focal spot, just like dra wing a bow. A point defect followed the laser beam so that it could be freely transported in the film. When two disclination points were opt ically manipulated to become fused, the defects disappeared immediatel y and did not return after switching off the laser. (C) 1997 American Institute of Physics.