Self-phase modulation in nematic liquid-crystal films: detailed measurements and theoretical calculations

Abstract

We present a detailed study of self-phase modulation in nematic liquid crystals, performing a quantitative comparison with the theory of diffraction. A quite satisfactory fit is obtained at low optical power by taking into account only orientational effects, as it is found that experimental observations are affected by laser-induced heating of the sample at higher optical power. Finally, new features in the saturation region are reported.