Self-assembled liquid crystal architectures for soft matter photonics

Abstract

Self-assembled architectures of soft matter have fascinated scientists for centuries due to their unique physical properties originated from controllable orientational and/or positional orders, and diverse optic and photonic applications. If one could know how to design, fabricate, and manipulate these optical microstructures in soft matter systems, such as liquid crystals (LCs), that would open new opportunities in both scientific research and practical applications, such as the interaction between light and soft matter, the intrinsic assembly of the topological patterns, and the multidimensional control of the light (polarization, phase, spatial distribution, propagation direction). Here, we summarize recent progresses in self-assembled optical architectures in typical thermotropic LCs and bio-based lyotropic LCs. After briefly introducing the basic definitions and properties of the materials, we present the manipulation schemes of various LC microstructures, especially the topological and topographic configurations. This work further illustrates external-stimuli-enabled dynamic controllability of self-assembled optical structures of these soft materials, and demonstrates several emerging applications. Lastly, we discuss the challenges and opportunities of these materials towards soft matter photonics, and envision future perspectives in this field.

Tunable Circularly Polarized Luminescence via Chirality Induction and Energy Transfer from Organic Films to Semiconductor Nanocrystals

“…Thin films generating circulalry polarized luminescence (CPL), that is exhibiting the differential emission intensity of right and left circularly polarized light, are fascinating from an intellectual, chirality-focused perspective while also providing clear solutions to some open problems in optoelectronic technologies. Increasing the bandwidth of data processing and storage, , leveraging the contrast of light-emitting diodes and 3D displays, and developing anticounterfeiting types of tags with increased security , are particularly interesting manifestations of the transformative potential of CPL-active films. − Despite prominent successes in the areas of CPL, further efforts to maximize the applicative potential of CPL films are required, particularly developing strategies enabling enhancement, tuning, and active regulation of CPL activity in the solid state …”

“…Increasing the bandwidth of data processing and storage, 1 , 2 leveraging the contrast of light-emitting diodes and 3D displays, 3 and developing anticounterfeiting types of tags with increased security 4 , 5 are particularly interesting manifestations of the transformative potential of CPL-active films. 6 − 9 Despite prominent successes in the areas of CPL, further efforts to maximize the applicative potential of CPL films are required, particularly developing strategies enabling enhancement, tuning, and active regulation of CPL activity in the solid state. 10 …”

Untitled

“…Liquid crystals (LCs) are intermediate substances between the liquid state and the solid state, referred to as the fourth state. The orientational ordering of LCs combined with the rod-like molecular shapes of LCs gives rise to intriguing physical anisotropies, which play essential roles in LC applications [1,2] . Generally, the orientational ordering of LCs can be controlled by different boundary geometries [3] and anchoring conditions [4] , allowing the formation of diverse structures or superstructures, including topological defects (i.e., focal conic domains [5] ).…”

Dual-Function Smart Windows Using Polymer Stabilized Cholesteric Liquid Crystal Driven with Interdigitated Electrodes

“…Smart windows have gained popularity in recent decades due to their ability to control indoor solar irradiation, reduce air-conditioning energy consumption and provide and maintain a comfortable visual environment indoors [ 1 ]. Liquid crystals (LCs) offer an excellent material system for developing smart windows, and applications such as switchable privacy glass [ 2 ], solar heat rejection [ 3 ] and switchable color [ 4 ] have been demonstrated. Various LC technologies based on light scattering or reflection have been examined to create smart windows for regulating indoor solar irradiation, especially for visible light and infrared (IR) light.…”