Ferroelectric Nano-particle Liquid Crystal Dispersions for Active Matrix Applications
We describe a newly developed non-synthetic approach to modify the properties of liquid crystals (LCs) by dispersing low-concentrations of ferroelectric nanoparticles. These novel dispersions are stable and on simple observation appear similar to the pure LC host. However , we can tailor the physical properties of the LC materials by changing the concentration and the type of ferroelectric particles , including the nematic isotropic transition temperature ( TNI ) , the dielectric constants , the birefringence , elastic constants and the threshold voltage. The dispersions having dramatically higher isotropic transition temperatures, significantly enhanced birefringence (by 10 - 30％ ) , dielectric anisotropy (by ～ 50％ ) , and elastic constants K33 (by ～ 20％ ) . In addition, the ferroelectric nanoparticles dispersions have lower conductivity and higher voltage-holding ratios ( VHR ) . We believe that ferroparticles act as molecular additives and modify the intrinsic properties of LC materials without time consuming and expensive chemical synthesis. The new LC materials are very attractive and suitable for use in displays, for switchable lenses, beam steering and other light controlling devices.
Liquid Crystals Ferroelectric Nano-particles Dispersions
John L. West Fenghua Li Ke Zhang Hari Atkuri
Liquid Crystal Institute, Kent State University Kent, Ohio 44242 U.S.A.
国际会议
上海
英文
113-118
2007-03-12（万方平台首次上网日期，不代表论文的发表时间）