Stabilizing the uniform lying helix alignment in chiral nematic liquid crystals using direct laser writing

Tartan CC, Salter P, Booth M, Morris S, Elston SJ

We investigate a novel approach for controlling the alignment of a fast-switching chiral nematic liquid crystal state using a high resolution two-photon absorption laser scanning lithography technique with aberration correction that permits the engineering of photonic structures in-situ. Walls of polymer network are engineered parallel and perpendicular to the helical axis of a uniform lying helix in chiral nematic liquid crystals in order to stabilize the alignment in the absence of an electric field and enhance the flexo-electro-optic response.

Keywords:

polymers

,

liquid crystals

,

chiral