International Journal of Modern Physics Conference Series · 2013 · 12 citations · 4 references
Natural SciencesMaterials SciencePhysicsCondensed Matter PhysicsOptical MaterialsOpticsCrystal SymmetryCrystal SystemsCrystalline MaterialsLiquid Crystal MaterialsLiquid CrystalsOptical Properties Of SolidsCholesteric Liquid CrystalsCholesteric PhaseLiquid Crystal Optical AnisotropyMagnetic PropertiesNematic Liquid CrystalsPhysical PropertiesSmectic Liquid CrystalsSmectic Phases
Liquid crystals are a state of matter intermediate between that of a crystalline solid and an isotropic liquid. They possess many of the mechanical properties of a liquid, e.g. - high fluidity, inability to support shear, formation, and coalescence of droplets. At the same time they are similar to crystals in that they exhibit anisotropy in their optical, electrical, and magnetic properties. We discuss some physical properties of nematic, cholesteric, and smectic liquid crystals (Specially focused on cholesteric) and some applications in laser due to Cholesteric Liquid Crystal’s resonant cavity which formed spontaneously and intrinsically, in the form of self-assembled chiral nematic helix.
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