Abstract
The helical pitch (p) dependence of the electro-optic characteristics in low monomer concentration polymer/cholesteric liquid crystal (PChLC) nanocomposites is reported. Four mixtures with different helical pitches were prepared by mixing a ChLC and a mesogenic monomer with a photoinitiator, and polymerized at room (20 °C) or low (−20 °C) temperatures to fabricate samples exhibiting the 'polymer-stabilized' and 'deformation-free' responses, respectively. Reflecting the difference in the electro-optic response modes, the threshold electric field showed different dependencies on the helical pitch. The 'polymer-stabilized' PChLCs showed a p-0.57 dependence on the pitch, which is a consequence of the response being dominated by the Helfrich deformation. The 'deformation-free' samples, on the other hand, showed a smaller dependence on pitch of approximately p-0.33. The decrease in the pitch dependence is described as a consequence of the nano-confined LC molecules undergoing a Fredericks-type reorientation instead of a helix deformation.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
