= Solution
Absorption converts part of the incident optical power into heat. Increasing laser power can therefore raise the local <temperature>, potentially driving a thermotropic <nematic liquid crystal> through its nematic-isotropic transition. The associated loss or change of orientational order, <refractive index> and anchoring can alter the trapping force or destabilize the trap.
Even below that transition, thermal gradients can induce convection, thermophoretic drift and changes in viscosity or Brownian fluctuations; sufficiently strong heating can damage the particle or host. Thus increasing laser power need not simply strengthen an otherwise unchanged <optical trap>.
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