Multi-colour switching of polymer stabilized chiral nematic liquid crystal devices

Jing Chen; Stephen M. Morris; Timothy D. Wilkinson; Harry J. Coles

doi:10.1117/12.722723

9 May 2007 Multi-colour switching of polymer stabilized chiral nematic liquid crystal devices

Jing Chen, Stephen M. Morris, Timothy D. Wilkinson, Harry J. Coles

Proceedings Volume 6587, Liquid Crystals and Applications in Optics; 65870X (2007) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.722723
Event: International Congress on Optics and Optoelectronics, 2007, Prague, Czech Republic

Abstract

We have fabricated a series of polymer stabilized chiral nematic test cells for use as flexoelectro-optic devices. The devices fabricated were based on commercial chiral nematic mixtures which were polymer stabilized so as to enhance the uniformity and stability of the uniform lying helix texture in the cells. During fabrication and test procedures a series of unusual scattering states have been observed within the devices at different viewing angles. The observations made so far indicate that the properties of the scattering state lies somewhere between the focal conic texture and the Grandjean or planar texture and that the devices exhibit both a helical pitch selective reflection and scattering effect. What is even more dramatic is that the wavelength selectivity of the scattering effect can be tuned by an applied field. In addition, we show that it is possible to achieve good uniform lying helix textures from such devices. Moreover, we show that in certain cases the spontaneous alignment of the helix in the plane of the device opens up the possibility of a new mode of switching.

Citation Download Citation

Jing Chen, Stephen M. Morris, Timothy D. Wilkinson, and Harry J. Coles "Multi-colour switching of polymer stabilized chiral nematic liquid crystal devices", Proc. SPIE 6587, Liquid Crystals and Applications in Optics, 65870X (9 May 2007); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.722723

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available