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Electrical Actuation of Cholesteric Liquid Crystal Gels
Yuuta Fuchigami1, Toshikazu Takigawa1, Kenji Urayama2
1Department of Material Chemistry, Kyoto University, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto 615-8510, Japan.
ACS Macro Letters
|May 20, 2022
Summary
Cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC) gels show significant electro-optical and electromechanical responses. An electric field causes over 30% elongation and a unique redshift in reflection, unlike conventional CLCs.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Science
- Condensed Matter Physics
Background:
- Cholesteric liquid crystals (CLCs) are known for their unique optical properties.
- Electric fields typically induce blueshifts in CLC reflection bands.
- Existing CLC materials often require constrained geometries for significant electromechanical effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the electro-optical and electromechanical properties of cholesteric liquid crystal gels with global helical variations.
- To explore the response of these CLC gels under an unconstrained geometry.
- To characterize the effect of electric fields on the helical orientation and selective reflection band.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of cholesteric liquid crystal gels with controlled helical orientation.
- Application of electric fields along the helical axis.
- Measurement of elongation (electromechanical effect).
- Analysis of selective reflection band shifts (electro-optical effect).
Main Results:
- Demonstrated pronounced electro-optical and electromechanical effects in CLC gels under unconstrained conditions.
- Observed a finite elongation exceeding 30% along the electric field axis.
- Reported a finite redshift in the selective reflection band, contrasting with the typical blueshift in conventional CLCs.
Conclusions:
- Cholesteric liquid crystal gels with global helical variations offer unique tunable properties.
- The observed redshift and significant elongation present novel opportunities for electroactive materials.
- These findings pave the way for new applications in responsive soft matter and actuators.
