Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 26, 2026

High-Contrast and Fast Photorheological Switching of a Twist-Bend Nematic Liquid Crystal
Published on: October 31, 2019
Effects of monomer functionality on switchable holographic gratings formed in polymer-dispersed liquid-crystal cells
Robert A Ramsey1, Suresh C Sharma
1Department of Physics, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76019, USA.
Abstract:
We investigate the effects of monomer functionality on the formation and switching characteristics of holographic transmission gratings in polymer-dispersed liquid-crystal cells fabricated by using the 633 nm wavelength of an He-Ne laser. We present results for the microstructure, diffraction efficiency eta, and switching characteristics of gratings formed with acrylate monomers of functionalities ranging from 2 to 4. The microstructure and diffraction efficiency are sensitive to functionality; both improve with increasing functionality. For functionalities of 2.5 or more, eta approaches 34% and can be switched off with electric fields of about 20 MV m(-1).
Related Concept Videos
Polymer Classification: Crystallinity
Crystalline domains are the regions where polymer chains are aligned in an orderly manner and held together in proximity by intermolecular forces. For example, chains in the crystalline domains of polyethylene and nylon are bound together by van der Waals...
Polymer Classification: Stereospecificity
Characteristics and Nomenclature of Copolymers
Classification and Mechanical Properties of Synthetic Polymers

