Ultra-fast light modulating material consisting of unidirectionally oriented micro-domains of liquid crystal separated with polymer chains

KSU.243 

Abstract: We explored the middle range of the concentration of a polymer than those ones for PDLC and PSLC: between 14 and 18 wt %.  Using special preparation conditions we prepared the well-developed interpenetrating structure of polymer chains and connected liquid crystal domains.  We unexpectedly discovered that the intrinsic scattering of such films decreases drastically with the application of the shearing deformations.  Moreover, the shearing of such a film determines the relaxation time of the material.

Applications:

This invention is a new promising fast switching type of liquid crystal (LC) cell that can be used in manufacturing of information displays, electro-optical devices, telecommunication systems and optical processing, switchable micro-lens optics, etc.

Advantages: Thus, we managed to develop new light modulating material consisting of unidirectionally oriented micro-domains of liquid crystal separated with polymer chains.  A film of the material only 20 mm thick is capable of producing a 2 mm shift of phase retardation in several hundred microseconds.  The active area of the film may be relatively large (square inches).  A diffraction grating using these films has a diffraction efficiency of more than 95%.These materials can be used to produce a high-resolution spatial light modulator capable of continuous phase or amplitude modulation with sub-millisecond frame rate.  A simple, one-step production process makes such a switchable retarder amenable to mass production and is thus of economic significance

Inventors: John L. West, Anatoliy V. Glushchenko