2023 Liquid Crystals Gordon Research Seminar and Gordon Research Conference
Abstract
Approved for Public ReleaseSignificance, timeliness and rationale. The information technology revolution#deeply transforming all aspects of our societies, civilian as well as military#would not have been possible without liquid crystal displays (LCDs), providing low-power, low-cost and low-footprint portable information delivery devices of an unprecedented versatility. Yet, LCD technology utilizes only a fraction of the 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 formedby 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 today#s 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-derivedchiral 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 offer an incredible tuneability of mechanical properties that can be used in coatings with switchable adhesion or dynamic release of lubricants. LCs are responsive to several stimuli making them high-sensitivity sensors of mechanical strain, toxic chemicals, or biological pathogens. Such sensors are now being realized as textile fibers that could be integrated in a soldier uniform or in an exoskeleton. These fascinating perspectives become possible through a strongly crossdisciplinary perspective that is fully embraced by today#s 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 2023, Southern New Hampshire University, Manchester, NH, June 24#June 30, 2023. The joint meetings will bring together US and international researchers at the forefront of today#s vibrant LC science, spanning itsfull breadth and connecting academia,industry and military labs, early-stage and established, and harnessing every opportunity to promote women and underrepresented minorities as speakers, discussing leaders and participants. Approach. All 32 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 research lab speakers. Additionally, 5 speaker slots will be given to excellent early-stage scientists selected from submitted poster abstracts. To further strengthen the voice of early-stage 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, early-stage scientists will be given precedence in all scientific discussions.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- May 15, 2023
- Source ID
- N000142312531
Entities
People
- Cecilia Leal
Organizations
- Gordon Research Conferences
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy