Attempt to observe Nd:YAG laser-induced nonlinear reflection in cholesteric and cholesteric/nematic mixtures of liquid crystals

Abstract
We have attempted to experimentally detect a nonlinear reflection in mixtures of cholesteric and cholesteric/nematic liquid crystals induced by Nd:YAG laser pulses. At power densities of up to 4 MW/cm2 (532 nm) and 8 MW/cm2 (1064 nm) we have not observed any optically induced pitch dilation or distortion in these media.