![Sample our Physical Sciences journals, sign in here to start your FREE access for 14 days]({"type":"image" , "src" : "/sda/110819/TOC-Subject-Sample-2021-Physical-Sciences.jpg"})
Abstract
In this paper we report the results of an extended experimental study on the optical rotatory power of Cholesteric Liquid Crystals submitted to compression or dilation. The theoretical background is given by the De Vries' theory modified to take into account the mechanical effects. The experimental data are in excellent agreement with this theory and show variations of the rotatory power of the liquid crystal vs. the applied normal strain with a strong dependence on the light wavelength. Data are reported on the application of this effect to optical modulation. A device operating with these characteristics has been patented.