Electric-field stabilized vortex nematicons in low-birefringent nematic liquid crystals
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.4302/plp.v17i4.1377Abstract
We report on the generation and electric-field stabilization of scalar vortex nematicons in a low-birefringence nematic liquid crystal (LB NLCs). Using mixture 903, we demonstrate self-confined vortex beams that preserve their topological charge and maintain a doughnut-shaped profile over millimetre-scale distances. Utilizing a low-frequency electric field, we show that temporal fluctuations, polarization mixing, and azimuthal distortions are substantially reduced. Interferometric measurements confirm robust phase singularities, while intensity maps reveal enhanced symmetry and stability as the voltage increases. The combined effects of LB and electric-field-induced fluctuation quenching establish the 903 NLCs mixture as a promising platform for stable vortex spatial solitons and tunable structured-light photonic applications.
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