Polarity sensitive electrooptical response in a nematic liquid crystal–polymer mixture

Abstract

A polarity sensitive electrooptical effect has been observed in nematic liquid crystal–polymer mixtures where a gradient of the polymer network density is created by strongly absorbed ultraviolet light. The effect is accounted for by a model based upon consideration of the space charge distribution caused by the polymerization process. The effect may be of interest for practical applications in optical shutters and electrically controlled windows.