Optical strain characteristics of holographically formed polymer-dispersed liquid crystal films

Abstract

The optical strain characteristics of a reflective holographic-polymer dispersed liquid crystal are investigated. A spectral blueshift and induced polarization dependence are observed to occur with increasing strain. The spectral dependence on strain is explained by the Poisson contraction of the material and the polarization dependence is largely attributed to elongation of liquid crystal droplets. The material has potential use as an optical strain gauge.