Fast Response and Low Voltage Dual Frequency Liquid Crystals
Abstract
Two types of liquid crystal phase modulators: dual frequency liquid crystal (DFLC) and polymer network liquid crystal (PNLC) with 2-pi phase change and submillisecond response time were demonstrated. For DFLC, a record-high birefringence DFLC, an ultra-low crossover frequency DFLC (UCF-01), and a high figure-of-merit DFLC (UCF-02) intended for elevated temperature operation were developed. The figure-of-merit of UCF-02 is 5X higher than that of Merck MLC-2048. For PNLC, a PNLC phase modulator with low scattering (<3%) at =1.06 m was demonstrated. The operating voltage for 2-pi phase change is ~70V at room temperature, and the relaxation time is 220 s at 25 C and 30 s at 70 C. Finally, a partially fluorinated terphenyl liquid crystal with low absorption in both mid-wave infrared (MWIR) and near IR regions was synthesized. This compound exhibits a nematic phase (although only 2 C), reasonably high birefringence (0.2), low visco-elastic coefficient, and modest dielectric anisotropy. This compound serves as an important first example for future development of low-loss MWIR liquid crystals.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 24, 2014
- Accession Number
- ADA598295
Entities
People
- Shin-Tson Wu
Organizations
- University of Central Florida