Large electro-optic Kerr effect in nanostructured chiral liquid-crystal composites over a wide temperature range

Optically transparent and isotropic liquid-crystalline composites are successfully prepared by in-situ photopolymerization of crosslinking monomers in the isotropic phase of chiral liquid crystals. An anomalously large electrooptical Kerr constant (K) was observed in the composite over a broad temperature range (see Figure). These composites could provide new flat-panel liquid-crystal displays with high-speed responses and without the need for a rubbing process during fabrication.