Transformation of elliptical polarization of light wave into linear polarization in the isotropic phase of a nematic liquid crystal
Zhukov N. N. , Zaskal'ko O. P. , Zalot'ko A. S. , Kitaeva V. F.
The self-precession of the polarization ellipse of a light pulse, whose duration is shorter than the isotropy relaxation time r in the isotropic phase of a nematic liquid crystal, is accompanied by a degeneration: The wave becomes linearly polarized. Near the phase-transition temperature, an anomalously large increase in r (by four orders of magnitude) is observed. This increase depends on the intensity of the light pulse.