Nonlinear effects in ionic smectics with nano-sized dye impurities

摘要

Dynamic holographic recording is investigated in novel class of liquid crystals namely in ionic metal-alcanoic smectics, which contain photosensitive impurities. A design of a heterostructure cell that consists of at least two layers: the first layer is a solid dye film and a second layer is an ionic smectic matrix, is proposed for dynamic holographic applications. Fast temporal relaxation of dynamic holograms in investigated cells is provided due to high values of both thermal and electric conductivities in the ionic smectic matrix. The high aggregation of molecules in the dye film affords strong light absorption and changes of polarizability in the cells. The structural features of lyotropic both potassium caproate and potassium caprilate are investigated by small angle X-ray scattering. Proposed LC cells can find applications in ultra-fast all-optical switchers.