Objectif
A study is to be carried out of the ferroelectric and antiferroelectric properties of liquid crystals on two novel systems. The first system comprises conventional (chiral) ferroelectric and antiferroelectric liquid crystals being oriented by two novel surface treatment techniques which include (1) polymer -dye guest-host layers irradiated by absorbed polarized light and (2) recently discovered ferroelectric Langmuir- Blodgett films poled with an external field, e.g. by a corona discharge. The latter allows for the preparation of orienting layers with the UP or DOWN directions of their spontaneous polarization which may dramatically influence the liquid crystal orientation. This investigations will elucidate the role of the dispersion and polar contributions to the surface anchoring of ferroelectric liquid crystals that controls the electrooptical behaviour of these materials relevant to the display technology.
The second system comprises recently discovered achiral ferro- and antiferroelectric liquid crystals. A special attention will be paid to a search of new representatives of this fascinating class of materials. The aim is to elucidate the physical mechanisms responsible for polar properties of achiral mesomorphic materials.
The proposal includes (a) synthesis of new ferroelectric and antiferroelectric compounds; (b) preparation of surfaces for orientation of the materials; (c) experimental investigation of their thermodynamic, spectroscopic, dielectric, pyroelectric and electro-optical properties. Results will be presented in the form of scientific publications, presentations at the International and Local conferences, and also in the form of liquid crystal samples ready to be used by other investigators. Patent applications are also possible.
Thème(s)
Appel à propositions
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2 Dublin
Irlande