by Paul S Drzaic (Raychem Corp.)

Polymer-dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) materials are of interest both for their potential in display technology and the fascinating science found in liquid crystals confined to small cavities. Liquid Crystal Dispersions is a comprehensive overview of the science and technology of this new class of materials. Topics covered include formation of PDLC devices, a catalog of droplet structures and transformations, device electro-optical properties, and applications. Liquid Crystal Dispersions will be of value to the nonspecialists keen on gaining an overview of this new field, as well as to specialists interested in a comprehensive review of work in this area.

• Introduction:
  • The PDLC Paradigm
• Recipes:
  • Emulsion Methods for PDLC Films
  • Phase Separation Methods for PDLC Films
• Nematic Configurations within Droplets:
  • Factors Controlling Nematic Alignment
  • Catalog of Droplet Structures
  • Transformations between Droplet Structures
• Electro-Optical Effects:
  • Light Scattering
  • Dichroic Effects in PDLC Films
  • Hysteresis and Memory Effects
  • PDLC Electrical Properties
• Applications:
  • Projection Displays
  • Direct-View Scattering-Mode Displays
  • and other papers