Electrooptical Properties of Polymer Films Containing Nematic Liquid Crystal Microdroplets

Abstract

Polymer films containing nematic liquid crystal microdroplets are useful for light modulation devices. Light scattering in these films is controlled by applied electric fields. These films were produced by cooling solutions of polymer in the isotropic phase of liquid crystal to temperatures below the clearing point (the nematic-phase-to-isotropic-phase transition temperature). In this process, sizes of microdroplets were regulated by controlling the rate of cooling. The relationship between the microdroplet size and electrooptical properties was investigated experimentally and theoretically.