Optical microscopy studies of dynamics within individual polymer-dispersed liquid crystal droplets

Optical devices based on polymer-dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) thin films derive their functional properties from the electric-field-induced reorientation of (sub)micrometer-sized polymer-dispersed liquid crystal (LC) droplets. In these materials, the LC reorientation dynamics are strongly dependent on droplet size and shape, as well as polymer/LC interfacial interactions. The dynamics also vary spatially within individual droplets. This Account describes studies of individual PDLC droplets and their field-induced dynamics by high-resolution near-field scanning optical microscopy (NSOM) and multiphoton-excited fluorescence microscopy (MPEFM). Included are studies of native ("pure") PDLCs and those doped with ionic compounds and dyes; the latter are used in sophisticated photorefractive materials.