Interface phenomena in multifunctional liquid-crystal ferroelectric-polymer composites

• Applicant: Professor Dr.-Ing. Reimund Gerhard
• Subject Area: Experimental Condensed Matter Physics
• Term: from 2009 to 2012
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 138035589

We propose the development and microscopic characterization of polymer-dispersed liquid crystals (PDLCs) where the electro-optically active material is embedded into a piezo- or pyroelectric host polymer. PDLCs with inactive host polymers have been known for some time as electrically switchable light-valves. With a ferro-, pyro-, and piezoelectric host, new effects arise, coupling different material quantities. For example, the application of a mechanical stress leads to a change in the internal electric field, which in turn changes the effective refractive index of the liquid crystal and hence the optical transmission.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants