Molecular reorientation of a nematic liquid crystal by thermal expansion

Kim, Young-Ki; Senyuk, Bohdan; Lavrentovich, Oleg D.

doi:10.1038/ncomms2073

Molecular reorientation of a nematic liquid crystal by thermal expansion

Journal Article · Sun Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 2012 · Nature Communications

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1038/ncomms2073· OSTI ID:1623902

Kim, Young-Ki ^[1]; Senyuk, Bohdan ^[2]; Lavrentovich, Oleg D. ^[2]

Kent State Univ., Kent, OH (United States). Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program. Liquid Crystal Inst.; DOE/OSTI
Kent State Univ., Kent, OH (United States). Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program. Liquid Crystal Inst.

A unique feature of nematic liquid crystals is orientational order of molecules that can be controlled by electromagnetic fields, surface modifications and pressure gradients. Here we demonstrate a new effect in which the orientation of nematic liquid crystal molecules is altered by thermal expansion. Thermal expansion (or contraction) causes the nematic liquid crystal to flow; the flow imposes a realigning torque on the nematic liquid crystal molecules and the optic axis. The optical and mechanical responses activated by a simple temperature change can be used in sensing, photonics, microfluidic, optofluidic and lab-on-a-chip applications as they do not require externally imposed gradients of temperature, pressure, surface realignment, nor electromagnetic fields. The effect has important ramifications for the current search of the biaxial nematic phase as the optical features of thermally induced structural changes in the uniaxial nematic liquid crystal mimic the features expected of the biaxial nematic liquid crystal.

View Accepted Manuscript (DOE)

Research Organization:: Kent State Univ., Kent, OH (United States)

Sponsoring Organization:: USDOE Office of Science (SC), Basic Energy Sciences (BES). Chemical Sciences, Geosciences & Biosciences Division

Grant/Contract Number:: FG02-06ER46331

OSTI ID:: 1623902

Journal Information:: Nature Communications, Journal Name: Nature Communications Journal Issue: 1 Vol. 3; ISSN 2041-1723

Publisher:: Nature Publishing GroupCopyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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