3-dimensional electric field visualization utilizing electric-field-induced-second harmonic-generation in liquid crystals

Summary form only given. As a result of the wide use of electronic and optoelectronics devices, the need for an efficient tool to characterize integrated circuits (IC) is growing up. Electric-field-induced-second-harmonic-generation (EFISHG) measurement shows some advantages over an EO sampling technique. We demonstrate a 3D electric-field visualization utilizing the EFISHG effect in nematic liquid crystals. The visualization was easily achieved with a second-harmonic-generation (SHG) confocal microscope with high spatial resolution on the order of or less than 1 /spl mu/m. With the great sectioning power in a confocal microscope, 3D images can be easily obtained combining different height images.