Optical visualization of deformations with nematic liquid crystals

Nematic liquid crystals are shown to be able to visualize elastic deformations even if no dynamic scattering is present. At low values of the elastic energy density, by observing the excited birefringence it is possible to map the normal modes of the elastic disturbance. At higher energy density a cellular motion (rolls) is produced which, in the homeotropic geometry, gives rise to a domain pattern which allows to visualize the velocity field. Work supported by Gruppo Nazionale di Struttura della Materia (GNSM) of CNR.