Wide blue phase range of chiral nematic liquid crystal doped with bent-shaped molecules

A wide blue phase range of 29 degrees C is induced by a bent-shaped molecule that is doped in chiral nematic liquid crystals. The physical mechanisms of this effect are investigated through experimental comparisons and molecular simulations. The results obtained indicate that the wide temperature range is closely related to the lower interfacial tension between liquid crystals and defects, and the shrinkage of the radius of the defect core after the bent-shaped molecules are doped in the systems. Apart from this, extending the rigid body of the bent-shaped molecules leads to an increase in the biaxiality and dipole moment, which are the two additional important factors for obtaining a stable blue phase. This study provides new insights into broadening the liquid crystal blue phase.