Normal and reverse mode polymer dispersed liquid crystal devices

Abstract

Polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) devices are an interesting new use of liquid crystals which could allow liquid crystals to be used in large areas and as flexible films. The topic is now very diverse. It ranges from the traditional PDLC/ nematic curvilinear aligned phase films, characterized by the liquid crystal being in discrete or fairly discrete droplets embedded in a polymer matrix, to networks or gels in which the liquid crystal content in somewhat higher and exists as a continuum within a web of polymer. This article aims to provide an insight into some of the practical features associated with traditional PDLC, which are important for its use in the more commercially advanced areas, while also providing some basic information on other, newer areas.