Bistable effect in the liquid crystal blue phase

This study investigates the bistable effect and transition mechanism between various lattice orientations in the negative liquid crystal blue phase. The blue phase exists over a wide temperature range similar to 16 degrees C, and three lattices (110), (112), and (200) are confirmed with Kossel diagrams. The red platelet (110) lattice and blue platelet (200) lattice can be stabilized and switched to each other by particular pulse voltages. An electric field induced planar state and electrohydrodynamatic effect in the blue phase is also investigated. Additionally, the reflected color of the (200) lattice can be adjusted from 455 to 545 nm by temperature induced lattice distortions and provided with reversibility.