New insights into the nature of semi-soft elasticity and "mechanical-Fréedericksz transitions" in liquid crystal elastomers.

The mechanical properties of an all-acrylate liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) with a glass transition of 14 ± 1 °C are reported. The highly nonlinear load curve has a characteristic shape associated with semi-soft elasticity (SSE). Conversely, measurements of the director orientation throughout tensile loading instead indicate a "mechanical-Fréedericksz" transition (MFT).

Electronic liquid crystal contact lenses for the correction of presbyopia.

Presbyopia, the age-related reduction in near vision acuity, is one of the leading issues facing the contact lens industry due to an increasingly ageing population and limitations associated with existing designs. A plastic-based liquid crystal contact lens is described which is designed to allow switchable vision correction. The device is characterized by low operating voltages (<5V(rms)) and has curvatures suitable for placement upon the cornea.