Reconstruction of two-dimensional optical image from nonlocal gratings in a photorefractive mesogenic composite

Optical image reconstruction, a type of intensity amplification of a two-dimensional optical image, was demonstrated using photorefractive polymer-dissolved liquid crystals. Image amplification originated in nonlocal gratings generated in a photorefractive mesogenic composite consisting of a low-molar-mass nematic mixture, a functionalized copolymer, and sensitizing dye. This process was well-explained using Fourier optics and two-beam coupling theory for photorefractive effects.