Cholesteric/polymer dispersed light shutters

Abstract

We report cholesteric/polymer dispersed (CPD) materials that switch from a reflecting, planar state to a relatively transparent, focal conic state. The reflective wavelength of the CPD materials can be continuously adjusted by varying the cholesteric pitch length. The electro-optic properties of these materials are similar to the recently reported polymer stabilized cholesteric materials; however, the polymer concentration is sufficient to provide a self-sustaining and self-adhering film, offering the potential of large area devices fabricated on flexible substrates.