Polymerization enabled reduction of the electrically induced birefringence change in nematic liquid crystals

Electric fields modify the optical properties of nematic liquid crystals (NLCs) by changing the nematic molecular orientation or order parameters, which enables electro-optic applications of NLCs. However, the field-induced optic change is undesirable in some cases. Here, we experimentally demonstrate that polymer stabilization weakens the birefringence change of NLCs caused by the nanosecond electrically modified order parameter effect. The birefringence change is reduced by 65% in the NLC doped with 25% reactive monomer, which is polymerized close to the nematic-to-isotropic phase transition. This technique could be used in liquid crystal devices where the birefringence change is unfavored.

Automated summary

Electric fields can modify the optical properties of nematic liquid crystals by changing their molecular orientation, enabling electro-optic applications. However, in some cases, this optical change is undesirable. We experimentally show that polymer stabilization can weaken the birefringence change caused by electrically modified order parameters, which is beneficial for liquid crystal devices where birefringence change is unfavorable.