Nonvolatile memory effect based on gold nanoparticles doped ferroelectric liquid crystal

Nonvolatile memory effect based on gold nanoparticles (GNPs) doped deformed helix ferroelectric liquid crystal (DHFLC) has been observed. This observed memory effect has been attributed to electric field induced charge transfer from liquid crystal molecules to the GNPs and the stabilization of helix deformation of DHFLC material, which occurs on the application of electric field beyond a critical field. The memory effect has been analyzed by polarizing optical microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, and dielectric spectroscopy. The observed memory effect combines two active research areas: nanotechnology and liquid crystal. (C) 2008 American Institute of Physics.