MLC

Abstract

Light can change the orientation of a liquid crystal. This is the optical Freedericksz transition, discovered by Saupe. In the Janossy effect, the threshold intensity of the Freedericksz transition is dramatically resuced by the addition of a small amount of dye to the sample. We investigate the theory for this effect derived by E, Kosa, and Palffy-Muhoray. Several themes come together, including molecular motors and Monge-Kantorovich mass transport. This is joint work with Michal Kowalczyk.