2021 Liquid Crystals GRC/GRS
Abstract
Significance, timeliness and rationale. The information technology revolutiondeeply transforming all aspects of our societies, civilian as well as militarywould not have been possible without liquid crystal displays (LCDs), providing low-power, low-cost and low- potential of the extraordinary materials class that is called liquid crystals (LCs). Nature has utilized the exquisite self-assembly modes offered by LCs much more diversely than human technology until now, e.g., providing extreme high-strength and high-toughness materials in marine crustaceans, most refined in the lethal dactyl club of Stomatopods, and in land-living animals similar LC-derived structures are used to produce brilliant iridescent colors, e.g., in certain beetles. These advanced functional materials are possible since the highly refined structures formed by continuous LC self-assembly in the liquid state can be transformed into solids with retained order by polymerization or vitrification.Such procedures are strongly in focus in todays international LC research, targeting novel advanced materials with enormous application opportunities across a broad spectrum of fields with critical relevance for the DoD. These materials are not only bio-inspired, but often they are also bioderived, utilizing e.g., cellulose or chitin nanoparticles organized in a helicoidal fashion by LC self-assembly. Moreover, the same cholesteric LC-derived chiral optics utilized by beetles is now explored in unique reflective materials with use cases in search-and-rescue operations, intra-swarm drone communication, as well as in supply chain traceability, of critical importance for Navy and Marine Corps technology in these days of ubiquitous counterfeiting. Rubbers with LC order function as artificial muscles explored in octopus-inspired soft robotics, and they offerants. The exceptionally strong response function of LCs makes them highly interesting as sensors of diverse stimuli, from mechanical strain to toxic chemicals or biological pathogens, and such sensors are now being realized in form of textilefibers that could be integrated in a soldier uniform or in an exoskeleton. These fascinating perspectives become possible through a strongly cross-disciplinary perspective that is fully embraced by todays LC scientists, connecting physics, chemistry, engineering and life sciences in a prolific and very active international research community.Objective. The chairs seek support for the Gordon Research Conference (GRC) and Seminar (GRS) on liquid crystals 2021: From Nature to Transformational Technology through Liquid Crystal Science, Southern New Hampshire University, Manchester, NH, June 26July 2, 2021. The joint meetings will bring together US and international reses, young and senior, and harnessing every opportunity to promote women andunderrepresented minorities as speakers, discussinrs and participants.Approach. 30 prominent speakers have confirmed our invitations to present unpublished cutting-edge research, covering, e.g., LCs in and from nature, LC-self-assembly in colloids and polymers, and in emerging applications. 52% of speakers are female and 37% are non-white. Academic speakers are complemented by 2 industry and 2 military research lab speakers. Additionally, 5 speaker slots will be given to excellent young scientists selected from submittedposter abstracts. To further strengthen the voice of young researchers, the GRC is preceded by the GRS, catering only to students and post-docs and providing mentoring and career advice, and during the GRC, young scientists will be given precedence in all scientific discussions. APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Apr 06, 2021
- Source ID
- N000142112142
Entities
People
- Ceclia Leal
Organizations
- Gordon Research Conferences
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy