Electro-Optic and Photorefractive Response of Liquid Crystals with Inorganic Ferroelectric Nanoparticles

摘要

The project will focus on the implementation of nanoparticles in hybrid polymer-liquid crystal systems. In particular we will pursue the following tasks: 1. Preparing high optical quality suspensions of ferroelectric nanoparticles (LC DSFNP) in liquid crystals 2. Electro-optic response of LC DSFNP; measuring their dielectric and optical anisotropy 3. Two-beam coupling in LC DSFNP in cells combined with PVK:C60 layers 4. Analysis of the underlying mechanisms and interactions between nanoparticles, liquid crystals The electro- optic response of cells with LC DSFNP will be investigated; measurements of how strongly the optical anisotropy and dielectric anisotropy can be increased by using suspensions will be determined, as compared with standard liquid crystals. In the next stage, we will explore in more detail the potential enhancement of reorientation via measuring two-beam coupling gain. For the observation of the photorefractive-like effects, the cells will be modified to include a photosensitive layer of PVK:C60. Two-beam coupling gain and coupling coefficient results will compared for cells with different nanosuspensions (Sn2P2S6 and BaTiO3) and liquid crystals, such as low refractive index and birefringence liquid crystal 6815 and high birefringence liquid crystal 1294. The work proposed here will also be particularly relevant and important for gaining a better understanding of ferroelectric nanoparticles and liquid crystals interactions. We will carry out the analysis and modelling of experimental results, for example, in order to achieve a better understanding of the processes responsible for the interaction between nanoparticles and liquid crystal molecules.