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Photonic band structure of highly deformable self-assembling systems
1Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0HE, United Kingdom.
Physical Review. E, Statistical, Nonlinear, and Soft Matter Physics
|January 22, 2002
Summary
We calculated the photonic band structure of cholesteric elastomers under stress. A new, full band gap for all polarizations is predicted, differing from the single-polarization de Vries gap.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Optics
Background:
- Cholesteric elastomers exhibit color and lasing due to photonic band gaps.
- Their band structure is sensitive to applied stress and strain.
- Existing research focuses on single-polarization band gaps, like the de Vries gap.
Purpose of the Study:
- To calculate the photonic band structure of cholesteric elastomers under external stress.
- To investigate the impact of stress on the photonic band structure.
- To predict the existence of a novel, polarization-independent band gap.
Main Methods:
- Photonic band structure calculations at normal incidence.
- Modeling of highly deformable, self-assembling cholesteric elastomers.
- Analysis of systems subjected to external stress.
Main Results:
- The photonic band structure of stressed cholesteric elastomers was calculated.
- Observed sensitive variations in band gaps with strain.
- Predicted a new "total" band gap, applicable to all polarizations.
Conclusions:
- Stressed cholesteric elastomers exhibit tunable photonic band structures.
- A polarization-independent total band gap is predicted.
- This finding expands understanding beyond single-polarization phenomena.