Abstract :
Thermally induced optical storage and erasure (local and nonlocal) of scattering centers in thin films of smectic liquid crystals has been demonstrated. These new thermo-optic and electrothermo-optic effects provide the basis for what is believed to be the first practical application of smectic liquid crystals, an infrared laser addressed light valve for the recording, storage, and display of high resolution graphic images. Information is recorded in these light valves by an X-Y deflected, intensity modulated, infrared laser beam which locally heats visually transparent, infrared absorbing electrodes. The resultant temporary heating of the smectic liquid crystal creates light scattering centers which remain stored until erased. With a field applied between the electrodes, typically 35 volts at 1.5 kHz, the writing beam is transformed into an erasing beam thereby providing local erase.
