title: Laser manipulation based on a light-induced molecular reordering.
abstract: We report on a novel principle of actuation of micrometer-sized liquid crystal droplets. It is based on a light-induced reordering of liquid crystal molecules inside the droplets. Polariscope imaging allowed to evaluate the birefringence change inside the micro-droplets. Directional actuation of the trapped droplet was achieved by cycling laser power with the direction defined by the polarization of the tweezing beam. Micro-actuation resulted from optically-induced birefringence; i.e., a nonlinear optical effect was utilized for mechanical manipulation of the micro-droplet. This principle of actuation can be used to induce molecular flows in sub-micrometer volumes.
authors.forename: Naoki
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Murazawa
authors.forename: Saulius
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Juodkazis
authors.forename: Hiroaki
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Misawa