Optical behaviour of cholesteric liquid crystal cells with novel photoisomerizable chiral dopants

Jui Hsiang Liu, Po Chih Yang, Yu Kan Wang, Chien Chih Wang

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

31 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

In order to investigate the effect of photoisomerization of E-Z structures on the optical behaviour of cholesteric liquid crystal (ChLC) cells, a series of novel azo derivatives was synthesized. Molecular structures were identified using 1H NMR, 13C NMR, FTIR and elemental analysis. Thermal properties and the specific rotation of the synthesized chiral azo derivatives were estimated. Rubbed polyvinyl alcohol coated on the inner surface of substrates was used to control the liquid crystal alignment in cells. The effect of chiral dopants on the reflection band of ChLC cells was investigated, as well as the dependence of polarizing optical microscope textures on temperature. The stability and reproducibility of the effect of UV irradiation on the cell reflection band and real image recording were confirmed. Real image recording of the ChLC cells fabricated in this investigation was also studied; a photoinduced image through a mask is given. Photoirradiated and non-irradiated areas appear as different reflected colours leading to the formation of an image. Stacking of the ChLC cells was found to intensify the brightness of the reflection band.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)237-248
Number of pages12
JournalLiquid Crystals
Volume33
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2006 Mar

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Chemistry
  • General Materials Science
  • Condensed Matter Physics

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