Low-Threshold-Voltage and Electrically Switchable Polarization-Selective Scattering Mode Liquid Crystal Light Shutters.

Low-threshold-voltage (V) and electrically switchable, polarization-selective scattering mode light shutters (PSMLSs) using polymer-dispersed liquid crystals (PDLCs) are demonstrated in this work. The optimized weight ratio of the nematic liquid crystals (LCs) to the adopted monomer (NBA107, Norland Optics) in the low-V PDLCs based on NBA107 is 7:3, [7:3]-PDLCs. The properties of the low-V PDLCs, such as light-scattering performance, initial transmission, V, and droplet size were investigated.

General theory of asymmetrical polarization-dependent optics in functional material-doped 90° twisted nematic liquid crystals.

General theory, which can completely describe the asymmetrical optics in a functional material (FM)-doped 90° twisted nematic liquid crystals (TNLCs), is proposed using Cayley-Hamilton theorem and Jones calculus. The FMs, whose shape and size are similar to those of the adopted NLCs, can be aligned along the long axes of the NLCs. The FMs discussed herein are dichroic dye (DD) and polymer.