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Updated: Feb 2, 2026

Fabrication and Operation of a Nano-Optical Conveyor Belt
Published on: August 26, 2015
Helical pitch-dependent electro-optics of optically high transparent nano-phase separated liquid crystals
Abstract:
Feeble light leakage in a dark state of conventional optically isotropic liquid crystal (OILC) device has a strong impact on the contrast ratio of a liquid crystal (LC) device. In order to overcome such intrinsic problem, we proposed an OILC in which the LC directors inside droplets are twisted by introducing chirality. The light leakage is effectively suppressed by matching the refractive indices between LC and polymer matrix; consequently, we achieved a high contrast ratio, 1:1401. Interestingly, the on-state transmittance is enhanced by ~49% compared to conventional OILC. The response time was also improved and the hysteresis was suppressed to be negligible. The improved electro-optic performances of the proposed OILC device would give diverse applications in upcoming flexible display and various photonic devices.
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