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10 pages, 1031 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Liquid Crystalline Network Composites Reinforced by Silica Nanoparticles

by Zhen Li, Yang Yang, Benye Qin, Xiaoyong Zhang, Lei Tao, Yen Wei and Yan Ji

Materials 2014, 7(7), 5356-5365; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma7075356 - 22 Jul 2014

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 6816

Abstract

Liquid crystalline networks (LCNs) are a class of polymers, which are able to produce mechanical actuation in response to external stimuli. Recent creation of LCNs with exchangeable links (xLCNs) makes LCNs easy moldable. As the xLCNs need to be shaped at a high [...] Read more.

Liquid crystalline networks (LCNs) are a class of polymers, which are able to produce mechanical actuation in response to external stimuli. Recent creation of LCNs with exchangeable links (xLCNs) makes LCNs easy moldable. As the xLCNs need to be shaped at a high temperature, it is important to enhance their thermal and mechanical properties. In this paper, a series of xLCNs/SiO₂ composites containing 1%–7% SiO₂ nanoparitcles (SNP) were prepared and their thermal and mechanical properties were examined. The results show that xLCNs/SNP composites have lower liquid crystalline-isotropic phase transition temperature and higher decomposition temperature than pure LCN. The tensile strength and the elongation at break of xLCNs at high temperatures were also enhanced due to the addition of SNPs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Liquid Crystals)

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12 pages, 998 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Improving the Pass-Band Return Loss in Liquid Crystal Dual-Mode Bandpass Filters by Microstrip Patch Reshaping

by Javier Torrecilla, Virginia Urruchi, José Manuel Sánchez-Pena, Noureddine Bennis, Alejandro García and Daniel Segovia

Materials 2014, 7(6), 4524-4535; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma7064524 - 13 Jun 2014

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 8448

Abstract

In this paper, the design and experimental characterization of a tunable microstrip bandpass filter based on liquid crystal technology are presented. A reshaped microstrip dual-mode filter structure has been used in order to improve the device performance. Specifically, the aim is to increase [...] Read more.

In this paper, the design and experimental characterization of a tunable microstrip bandpass filter based on liquid crystal technology are presented. A reshaped microstrip dual-mode filter structure has been used in order to improve the device performance. Specifically, the aim is to increase the pass-band return loss of the filter by narrowing the filter bandwidth. Simulations confirm the improvement of using this new structure, achieving a pass-band return loss increase of 1.5 dB at least. Because of the anisotropic properties of LC molecules, a filter central frequency shift from 4.688 GHz to 5.045 GHz, which means a relative tuning range of 7.3%, is measured when an external AC voltage from 0 V_rms to 15 V_rms is applied to the device. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Liquid Crystals)

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10 pages, 1136 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Janus Nematic Colloids with Designable Valence

by Simon Čopar, Miha Ravnik and Slobodan Žumer

Materials 2014, 7(6), 4272-4281; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma7064272 - 30 May 2014

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 7421

Abstract

Generalized Janus nematic colloids based on various morphologies of particle surface patches imposing homeotropic and planar surface anchoring are demonstrated. By using mesoscopic numerical modeling, multiple types of Janus particles are explored, demonstrating a variety of novel complex colloidal structures. We also show [...] Read more.

Generalized Janus nematic colloids based on various morphologies of particle surface patches imposing homeotropic and planar surface anchoring are demonstrated. By using mesoscopic numerical modeling, multiple types of Janus particles are explored, demonstrating a variety of novel complex colloidal structures. We also show binding of Janus particles to a fixed Janus post in the nematic cell, which acts as a seed and a micro-anchor for the colloidal structure. Janus colloidal structures reveal diverse topological defect configurations, which are effectively combinations of surface boojum and bulk defects. Topological analysis is applied to defects, importantly showing that topological charge is not a well determined topological invariant in such patchy nematic Janus colloids. Finally, this work demonstrates colloidal structures with designable valence, which could allow for targeted and valence-conditioned self-assembly at micro- and nano-scale. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Liquid Crystals)

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16 pages, 1104 KiB

Open AccessArticle

New Lyotropic Mixtures with Non-Chiral N-Acylamino Acid Surfactants Presenting the Biaxial Nematic Phase Investigated by Laser Conoscopy, Polarized Optical Microscopy and X-ray Diffraction

by Erol Akpinar, Dennys Reis, Muhammet Yildirim and Antônio Martins Figueiredo Neto

Materials 2014, 7(6), 4132-4147; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma7064132 - 27 May 2014

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 7367

Abstract

Amino acid-based surfactants were used as the main surfactants to prepare new lyotropic mixtures presenting three nematic phases. One of them is biaxial (N_B), and the two others are uniaxial, discotic (N_D) and calamitic (N_C [...] Read more.

Amino acid-based surfactants were used as the main surfactants to prepare new lyotropic mixtures presenting three nematic phases. One of them is biaxial (N_B), and the two others are uniaxial, discotic (N_D) and calamitic (N_C). These surfactants were the non-chiral molecules, potassium N-dodecanoyl-DL-alaninate (DL-KDDA), potassium N-dodecanoyl-DL-serinate (DL-KDDS), disodium N-dodecanoyl-DL-aspartate (DL-NaDDAs) and potassium N-dodecanoyl-glycinate (KDDGly). Measurements of the optical birefringences and X-ray diffraction analysis were used to characterize the nematic phases and phase transitions. Mixtures with DL-KDDS exhibited the largest biaxial phase domain (~9 °C) with respect to the other mixtures in this study. The results obtained with the KDDGly mixture showed that the existence of hydrogen bonding between the head groups of the surfactant molecules seems to hinder the orientation of the micelles under the action of an external magnetic field. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Liquid Crystals)

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12 pages, 816 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Novel Discotic Boroxines: Synthesis and Mesomorphic Properties

by Tobias Wöhrle, Angelika Baro and Sabine Laschat

Materials 2014, 7(5), 4045-4056; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma7054045 - 22 May 2014

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 9119

Abstract

A new synthetic approach to highly substituted triphenylboroxines 11 is described. Their mesomorphic properties were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), polarizing optical microscopy (POM) and X-ray diffraction (SAXS, WAXS). The tris(3,4,5-trialkyloxy)phenyl functionalized derivatives 11b–e showed broad mesophases for a minimum [...] Read more.

A new synthetic approach to highly substituted triphenylboroxines 11 is described. Their mesomorphic properties were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), polarizing optical microscopy (POM) and X-ray diffraction (SAXS, WAXS). The tris(3,4,5-trialkyloxy)phenyl functionalized derivatives 11b–e showed broad mesophases for a minimum alkyl chain length of C9. The phase widths ranged from 110 K to 77 K near room temperature, thus decreasing with enhanced alkyl chain lengths. Textures observed under POM indicated a columnar hexagonal (Col_h) mesophase symmetry that was confirmed by X-ray diffraction experiments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Liquid Crystals)

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22 pages, 16266 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Optical Properties of Electrically Tunable Two-Dimensional Photonic Lattice Structures Formed in a Holographic Polymer-Dispersed Liquid Crystal Film: Analysis and Experiment

by Mayu Miki, Ryuichiro Ohira and Yasuo Tomita

Materials 2014, 7(5), 3677-3698; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma7053677 - 7 May 2014

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 7283

Abstract

We report on theoretical and experimental investigations of optical wave propagations in two-dimensional photonic lattice structures formed in a holographic polymer-dispersed liquid crystal (HPDLC) film. In the theoretical analysis we employed the 2×2 matrix formulation and the statistical thermodynamics model to analyze the [...] Read more.

We report on theoretical and experimental investigations of optical wave propagations in two-dimensional photonic lattice structures formed in a holographic polymer-dispersed liquid crystal (HPDLC) film. In the theoretical analysis we employed the 2×2 matrix formulation and the statistical thermodynamics model to analyze the formation of anisotropic photonic lattice structures by holographic polymerization. The influence of multiple reflections inside an HPDLC film on the formed refractive index distribution was taken into account in the analysis. In the experiment we fabricated two-dimensional photonic lattice structures in an HPDLC film under three-beam interference holographic polymerization and performed optical measurements of spectral transmittances and wavelength dispersion. We also demonstrated the electrical control capability of the fabricated photonic lattice structure and its dependence on incident wave polarization. These measured results were compared with the calculated ones by means of photonic band and beam propagation calculations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Liquid Crystals)

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10 pages, 600 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Frequency and Temperature Dependence of Fabrication Parameters in Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal Devices

by Juan C. Torres, Ricardo Vergaz, David Barrios, José Manuel Sánchez-Pena, Ana Viñuales, Hans Jürgen Grande and Germán Cabañero

Materials 2014, 7(5), 3512-3521; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma7053512 - 2 May 2014

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 7323

Abstract

A series of polymer dispersed liquid crystal devices using glass substrates have been fabricated and investigated focusing on their electrical properties. The devices have been studied in terms of impedance as a function of frequency. An electric equivalent circuit has been proposed, including [...] Read more.

A series of polymer dispersed liquid crystal devices using glass substrates have been fabricated and investigated focusing on their electrical properties. The devices have been studied in terms of impedance as a function of frequency. An electric equivalent circuit has been proposed, including the influence of the temperature on the elements into it. In addition, a relevant effect of temperature on electrical measurements has been observed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Liquid Crystals)

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18 pages, 2334 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Design and Investigation of Nanocomposites Containing Dimeric Nematogens and Liquid Crystal Gold Nanoparticles with Plasmonic Properties Showing a Nematic-Nematic Phase Transition (N_u-N_x/N_tb)

by Maria-Gabriela Tamba, Chih Hao Yu, Bai Jia Tang, Christopher Welch, Alexandra Kohlmeier, Christopher P. Schubert and Georg H. Mehl

Materials 2014, 7(5), 3494-3511; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma7053494 - 30 Apr 2014

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 7371

Abstract

The construction of liquid crystal compositions consisting of the dimeric liquid crystal, CB_C9_CB (cyanobiphenyl dimer = 1'',9''-bis(4-cyanobiphenyl-4'-yl)nonane), and the range of nematic systems is explored. The materials include a laterally functionalized monomer, which was used to construct a phase diagram with CB_C9_CB, [...] Read more.

The construction of liquid crystal compositions consisting of the dimeric liquid crystal, CB_C9_CB (cyanobiphenyl dimer = 1'',9''-bis(4-cyanobiphenyl-4'-yl)nonane), and the range of nematic systems is explored. The materials include a laterally functionalized monomer, which was used to construct a phase diagram with CB_C9_CB, as well as one laterally linked dimer liquid crystal material and two liquid crystal gold nanoparticle (LC-Au-NPs) systems. For the Au-NP-LCs, the NP diameters were varied between ~3.3 nm and 10 nm. Stable mixtures that exhibit a nematic-nematic phase transition are reported and were investigated by POM (polarizing optical microscopy), DSC (differential scanning calorimetry) and X-ray diffraction studies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Liquid Crystals)

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17 pages, 53782 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Physics of Free-Standing Lyotropic Films

by Pawel Pieranski

Materials 2014, 7(5), 3453-3469; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma7053453 - 30 Apr 2014

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 5005

Abstract

We explore the structures and properties of stable, free-standing films of lyotropic mesophases drawn on apertures of various shapes in an atmosphere of controlled humidity. New phenomena are uncovered and interpreted. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Liquid Crystals)

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13 pages, 791 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Preparation of Nanocomposite Plasmonic Films Made from Cellulose Nanocrystals or Mesoporous Silica Decorated with Unidirectionally Aligned Gold Nanorods

by Michael G. Campbell, Qingkun Liu, Aric Sanders, Julian S. Evans and Ivan I. Smalyukh

Materials 2014, 7(4), 3021-3033; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma7043021 - 11 Apr 2014

Cited by 38 | Viewed by 8743

Abstract

Using liquid crystalline self-assembly of cellulose nanocrystals, we achieve long-range alignment of anisotropic metal nanoparticles in colloidal nanocrystal dispersions that are then used to deposit thin structured films with ordering features highly dependent on the deposition method. These hybrid films are comprised of [...] Read more.

Using liquid crystalline self-assembly of cellulose nanocrystals, we achieve long-range alignment of anisotropic metal nanoparticles in colloidal nanocrystal dispersions that are then used to deposit thin structured films with ordering features highly dependent on the deposition method. These hybrid films are comprised of gold nanorods unidirectionally aligned in a matrix that can be made of ordered cellulose nanocrystals or silica nanostructures obtained by using cellulose-based nanostructures as a replica. The ensuing long-range alignment of gold nanorods in both cellulose-based and nanoporous silica films results in a polarization-sensitive surface plasmon resonance. The demonstrated device-scale bulk nanoparticle alignment may enable engineering of new material properties arising from combining the orientational ordering of host nanostructures and properties of the anisotropic plasmonic metal nanoparticles. Our approach may also allow for scalable fabrication of plasmonic polarizers and nanoporous silica structures with orientationally ordered anisotropic plasmonic nanoinclusions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Liquid Crystals)

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12 pages, 1210 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Liquid Crystal Lensacons, Logarithmic and Linear Axicons

by José Francisco Algorri, Virginia Urruchi, Braulio García-Cámara and José Manuel Sánchez-Pena

Materials 2014, 7(4), 2593-2604; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma7042593 - 28 Mar 2014

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 5868

Abstract

Until now, several attempts have been made to obtain axicons by using liquid crystals. Previous results had always a considerable deviation from the linear response and the resulting aperture is square. In addition, classical fabrications methods are expensive and only produce fixed phase [...] Read more.

Until now, several attempts have been made to obtain axicons by using liquid crystals. Previous results had always a considerable deviation from the linear response and the resulting aperture is square. In addition, classical fabrications methods are expensive and only produce fixed phase profiles. In this study, a novel structure to obtain tunable axicons with a perfect conical shape and a circular aperture is proposed and theoretically studied. The proposed optical device is based on nematic liquid crystal and phase shifted electrical signals. A simulation program consisted of Finite Elements Method to solve the voltage distribution combined with the Frank-Oseen equation to solve the molecular position of the nematic liquid crystal is employed. This device is totally reconfigurable by using low voltage signals. The focus depth and the position of this one can be controlled electrically. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Liquid Crystals)

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13 pages, 779 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Passive Temperature Stabilization of Silicon Photonic Devices Using Liquid Crystals

by Joanna Ptasinski, Iam-Choon Khoo and Yeshaiahu Fainman

Materials 2014, 7(3), 2229-2241; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma7032229 - 14 Mar 2014

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 7932

Abstract

In this work we explore the negative thermo-optic properties of liquid crystal claddings for passive temperature stabilization of silicon photonic integrated circuits. Photonic circuits are playing an increasing role in communications and computing, but they suffer from temperature dependent performance variation. Most existing [...] Read more.

In this work we explore the negative thermo-optic properties of liquid crystal claddings for passive temperature stabilization of silicon photonic integrated circuits. Photonic circuits are playing an increasing role in communications and computing, but they suffer from temperature dependent performance variation. Most existing techniques aimed at compensation of thermal effects rely on power hungry Joule heating. We show that integrating a liquid crystal cladding helps to minimize the effects of a temperature dependent drift. The advantage of liquid crystals lies in their high negative thermo-optic coefficients in addition to low absorption at the infrared wavelengths. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Liquid Crystals)

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18 pages, 879 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dispersion of γ-Alumina Nano-Sized Spherical Particles in a Calamitic Liquid Crystal. Study and Optimization of the Confinement Effects

by Sergio Diez-Berart, David O. López, Nerea Sebastián, María Rosario De la Fuente, Josep Salud, Beatriz Robles-Hernández and Miguel Ángel Pérez-Jubindo

Materials 2014, 7(3), 1502-1519; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma7031502 - 27 Feb 2014

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 6082

Abstract

We report an experimental study on confined systems formed by butyloxybenzylidene octylaniline liquid crystal (4O.8) + γ-alumina nanoparticles. The effects of the confinement in the thermal and dielectric properties of the liquid crystal under different densities of nanoparticles is analyzed by means of [...] Read more.

We report an experimental study on confined systems formed by butyloxybenzylidene octylaniline liquid crystal (4O.8) + γ-alumina nanoparticles. The effects of the confinement in the thermal and dielectric properties of the liquid crystal under different densities of nanoparticles is analyzed by means of high resolution Modulated Differential Scanning Calorimetry (MDSC) and broadband dielectric spectroscopy. First, a drastic depression of the N-I and SmA-N transition temperatures is observed with confinement, the more concentration of nanoparticles the deeper this depression is, driving the nematic range closer to the room temperature. An interesting experimental law is found for both transition temperatures. Second, the change in shape of the heat capacity peaks is quantified by means of the full width half maximum (FWHM). Third, the confinement does not noticeably affect the molecular dynamics. Finally, the combination of nanoparticles and the external applied electric field tends to favor the alignment of the molecules in metallic cells. All these results indicate that the confinement of liquid crystals by means of γ-alumina nanoparticles could be optimum for liquid crystal-based electrooptic devices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Liquid Crystals)

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Review

Jump to: Research

23 pages, 6487 KiB

Open AccessReview

Structural Rheology of the Smectic Phase

by Shuji Fujii, Shigeyuki Komura and Chun-Yi David Lu

Materials 2014, 7(7), 5146-5168; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma7075146 - 16 Jul 2014

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 7785

Abstract

In this review article, we discuss the rheological properties of the thermotropic smectic liquid crystal 8CB with focal conic domains (FCDs) from the viewpoint of structural rheology. It is known that the unbinding of the dislocation loops in the smectic phase drives the [...] Read more.

In this review article, we discuss the rheological properties of the thermotropic smectic liquid crystal 8CB with focal conic domains (FCDs) from the viewpoint of structural rheology. It is known that the unbinding of the dislocation loops in the smectic phase drives the smectic-nematic transition. Here we discuss how the unbinding of the dislocation loops affects the evolution of the FCD size, linear and nonlinear rheological behaviors of the smectic phase. By studying the FCD formation from the perpendicularly oriented smectic layers, we also argue that dislocations play a key role in the structural development in layered systems. Furthermore, similarities in the rheological behavior between the FCDs in the smectic phase and the onion structures in the lyotropic lamellar phase suggest that these systems share a common physical origin for the elasticity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Liquid Crystals)

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27 pages, 1592 KiB

Open AccessReview

From Cellulosic Based Liquid Crystalline Sheared Solutions to 1D and 2D Soft Materials

by Maria Helena Godinho, Pedro Lúcio Almeida and João Luis Figueirinhas

Materials 2014, 7(6), 4601-4627; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma7064601 - 18 Jun 2014

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 8133

Abstract

Liquid crystalline cellulosic-based solutions described by distinctive properties are at the origin of different kinds of multifunctional materials with unique characteristics. These solutions can form chiral nematic phases at rest, with tuneable photonic behavior, and exhibit a complex behavior associated with the onset [...] Read more.

Liquid crystalline cellulosic-based solutions described by distinctive properties are at the origin of different kinds of multifunctional materials with unique characteristics. These solutions can form chiral nematic phases at rest, with tuneable photonic behavior, and exhibit a complex behavior associated with the onset of a network of director field defects under shear. Techniques, such as Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), Rheology coupled with NMR (Rheo-NMR), rheology, optical methods, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Wide Angle X-rays Scattering (WAXS), were extensively used to enlighten the liquid crystalline characteristics of these cellulosic solutions. Cellulosic films produced by shear casting and fibers by electrospinning, from these liquid crystalline solutions, have regained wider attention due to recognition of their innovative properties associated to their biocompatibility. Electrospun membranes composed by helical and spiral shape fibers allow the achievement of large surface areas, leading to the improvement of the performance of this kind of systems. The moisture response, light modulated, wettability and the capability of orienting protein and cellulose crystals, opened a wide range of new applications to the shear casted films. Characterization by NMR, X-rays, tensile tests, AFM, and optical methods allowed detailed characterization of those soft cellulosic materials. In this work, special attention will be given to recent developments, including, among others, a moisture driven cellulosic motor and electro-optical devices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Liquid Crystals)

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20 pages, 2459 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Review of Polymer-Stabilized Ferroelectric Liquid Crystals

by Ingo Dierking

Materials 2014, 7(5), 3568-3587; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma7053568 - 6 May 2014

Cited by 40 | Viewed by 9743

Abstract

The polymer stabilized state of ferroelectric liquid crystals (FLC) is reviewed; and the effect of a dispersed polymer network in an FLC outlined and discussed. All fundamental material aspects are demonstrated; such as director tilt angle; spontaneous polarization; response time and viscosity; as [...] Read more.

The polymer stabilized state of ferroelectric liquid crystals (FLC) is reviewed; and the effect of a dispersed polymer network in an FLC outlined and discussed. All fundamental material aspects are demonstrated; such as director tilt angle; spontaneous polarization; response time and viscosity; as well as the dielectric modes. It was found that the data can largely be explained by assuming an elastic interaction between the polymer network strands and the liquid crystal molecules. The elastic interaction parameter was determined; and increases linearly with increasing polymer concentration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Liquid Crystals)

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18 pages, 912 KiB

Open AccessReview

Emerging Applications of Liquid Crystals Based on Nanotechnology

by Jung Inn Sohn, Woong-Ki Hong, Su Seok Choi, Harry J. Coles, Mark E. Welland, Seung Nam Cha and Jong Min Kim

Materials 2014, 7(3), 2044-2061; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma7032044 - 11 Mar 2014

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 10152

Abstract

Diverse functionalities of liquid crystals (LCs) offer enormous opportunities for their potential use in advanced mobile and smart displays, as well as novel non-display applications. Here, we present snapshots of the research carried out on emerging applications of LCs ranging from electronics to [...] Read more.

Diverse functionalities of liquid crystals (LCs) offer enormous opportunities for their potential use in advanced mobile and smart displays, as well as novel non-display applications. Here, we present snapshots of the research carried out on emerging applications of LCs ranging from electronics to holography and self-powered systems. In addition, we will show our recent results focused on the development of new LC applications, such as programmable transistors, a transparent and active-type two-dimensional optical array and self-powered display systems based on LCs, and will briefly discuss their novel concepts and basic operating principles. Our research will give insights not only into comprehensively understanding technical and scientific applications of LCs, but also developing new discoveries of other LC-based devices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Liquid Crystals)

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22 pages, 1303 KiB

Open AccessReview

Liquid-Crystal-Enabled Active Plasmonics: A Review

by Guangyuan Si, Yanhui Zhao, Eunice Sok Ping Leong and Yan Jun Liu

Materials 2014, 7(2), 1296-1317; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma7021296 - 18 Feb 2014

Cited by 167 | Viewed by 17040

Abstract

Liquid crystals are a promising candidate for development of active plasmonics due to their large birefringence, low driving threshold, and versatile driving methods. We review recent progress on the interdisciplinary research field of liquid crystal based plasmonics. The research scope of this field [...] Read more.

Liquid crystals are a promising candidate for development of active plasmonics due to their large birefringence, low driving threshold, and versatile driving methods. We review recent progress on the interdisciplinary research field of liquid crystal based plasmonics. The research scope of this field is to build the next generation of reconfigurable plasmonic devices by combining liquid crystals with plasmonic nanostructures. Various active plasmonic devices, such as switches, modulators, color filters, absorbers, have been demonstrated. This review is structured to cover active plasmonic devices from two aspects: functionalities and driven methods. We hope this review would provide basic knowledge for a new researcher to get familiar with the field, and serve as a reference for experienced researchers to keep up the current research trends. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Liquid Crystals)

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