Nanomaterials-Based Liquid Crystal Devices for Improving their Stability and Electro-Optic Responses
Abstract
Liquid crystals (LC) are molecules that are used in display technology, commonly known as liquid crystal displays (LCDs). However, the LC materials contain free-ion impurities that stem from a variety of sources. These ionic impurities cause issues in electro-optic properties in current LCDs, such as slower response times and image-sticking effects. Ridding the LC cell of these ionic impurities can increase the electro-optic functionality of LCDs, allowing computer displays to function better. Two studies were conducted over the course of the project. The first study presents research showing that a small concentration of 50 nm-diameter gold nano-urchin (AuNUs) particles doped in the LC significantly reduces the concentration of free ions. The experiments showed a significant reduction in free-ion concentration, as well as an improvement in LC on-off switching time, rotational viscosity, and dielectric anisotropy. The second study was an extension of the first, where five more samples - utilizing 60 nm, 70 nm, 80 nm, 90 nm, and 100 nm diameter AuNU - were synthesized at an optimal concentration acquired through the 50 nm AuNU experiments. Concentration and diameter-dependent study reveal a scientifically intriguing feature of the existence of an optimal concentration and diameter in which all tested properties of the LC were significantly improved.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 16, 2023
- Accession Number
- AD1207049
Entities
People
- Derek T. Gess
Organizations
- United States Naval Academy