Polymer Cholesteric Liquid-Crystal Flake Reorientation in an Alternating-Current Electric Field
- Laboratory for Laser Energetics, U. of Rochester, NY
The motion of highly dielectric polymer cholesteric liquid crystal (PCLC) flakes suspended in a host fluid can be controlled with an ac electric field. The electric field acts to induce a dipole moment on the flake due to interfacial, or Maxwell-Wagner, polarization. Theoretical modeling of PCLC flakes as oblate spheroids shows that the flakes will reorient to align one of the two major axes parallel to the electric field. The theory also supports the observed dependence of the particle reorientation time on the electric-field magnitude, frequency, and particle shape. A PCLC flake's orientation determines its ability to reflect light of a specific wavelength and circular polarization. The ability to switch the position of PCLC flakes with an electric field has implications for electro-optic devices and display applications.
- Research Organization:
- Laboratory for Laser Energetics
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- DOE Contract Number:
- FC52-92SF19460
- OSTI ID:
- 841651
- Report Number(s):
- DOE/SF-19460-621; 1574; 2004-184
- Journal Information:
- Journal of Applied Physics, Journal Name: Journal of Applied Physics Vol. 98; ISSN JAPIAU; ISSN 0021-8979
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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