Self-focusing of a low power cw laser beam via optically induced birefringence in a nematic liquid-crystal film

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Abstract
We present the results of a detailed experimental study of the self-focusing of a low intensity cw laser in its passage through a nematic liquid-crystal film. The results are in quantitative agreement with our theory of optically induced birefringence as a function of geometry, thickness, and intensity. We have also quantitatively measured the relative contribution from thermal lensing effect.