Rationally Designed Dynamic Superstructures Enabled by Photoaligning Cholesteric Liquid Crystals

Abstract

Dynamic cholesteric liquid crystal superstructures with rationally designed arrangements of in-plane helical axes are enabled by utilizing a digital micromirror device-based photoalignment technique, resulting in unique fingerprint textures for potential advanced photonic applications. General rules behind the helical axis manipulation are investigated and the growth of spiral and wave-like continuous gratings are demonstrated.