Fast switching bistable polymer-dispersed ferroelectric liquid crystals

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Abstract
Polymer dispersed ferroelectric liquid crystals incorporating novel difluoroterphenyl host materials are prepared by photopolymerisation-induced phase separation using an Argon Ion laser. The droplet size of the liquid crystal embedded in the polymer matrix depends on polymerisation conditions, varying from greater than 10 μm to less than 1 μm. In all samples the helix is unwound by surface interactions at zero electric field and electro-optical switching occurs between two stable states on coupling to the spontaneous polarisation. Switching time < 60 μs and contrast ratios > 60 are recorded. In one sample excellent optical bistability is found implying that the switched on and surface stabilised states have similar molecular orientations.