Angular discrimination of light transmission through polymer-dispersed liquid-crystal films

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Abstract
The refractive index of the polymer np is adjusted relative to the ordinary refractive index of dispersed droplets of nematic liquid crystal no to regulate the angle of maximum transmission through a film in the presence of an applied field. Maximum transmission occurs at normal incidence when np≤no with the breadth of the angle of view being largest at np=no. When np>no, maximum transmission is peaked at an angle away from normal incidence, the value of the angle depending upon the ratio np/no. Angular discriminating filters are therefore possible with these films. The optical response of these materials as a function of applied field is also shown to be dependent on the ratio np/no as is the contrast exhibited by information displays. Methods for measuring the scattering cross section of a nematic droplet are also described.