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Dong K, Li X, Cao Z, Zhang B, Liang Z, Zhang L, Wang Y, Zheng X. Dual-wavelength transmission based on liquid crystal tunable filter with high signal-to-noise ratio. Sci Rep 2024; 14:23655. [PMID: 39390095 PMCID: PMC11467384 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-74935-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2024] [Accepted: 09/30/2024] [Indexed: 10/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Aiming at the problem of limited transmission energy of liquid crystal tunable filter (LCTF), a dual-wavelength transmission system with high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is proposed in this paper. The proposed transmission factor Qp is the main influence on the number and location of transmission wavelengths as well as the bandwidth of each transmission wavelength for dual-wavelength systems. Dual-wavelength LCTF can improve the effective transmission energy of the system by increasing the number of filtering channels, and the transmission energy can be increased by about 1.8 times and 70% at short and long wavelengths, respectively, which improves the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the system. Moreover, the dual-wavelength LCTF system is even possible to increase the transmission energy by about 7% at a 33% increase in spectral resolution. Therefore, the dual-wavelength LCTF transmission method not only can improve the SNR of target detection with dual-wavelength response features, but also can effectively solve the problem of contradiction between spectral resolution and spectral transmission energy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keyan Dong
- School of Optoelectronic Engineering, Changchun University of Science and Technology, Changchun, 130022, China.
- Institute of Space Optoelectronic Technology, Changchun University of Science and Technology, Changchun, 130022, China.
| | - Xinhang Li
- School of Optoelectronic Engineering, Changchun University of Science and Technology, Changchun, 130022, China
- Institute of Space Optoelectronic Technology, Changchun University of Science and Technology, Changchun, 130022, China
| | - Zhaoliang Cao
- Key Laboratory of Efficient Low-carbon Energy Conversion and Utilization of Jiangsu Provincial Higher Education Institutions, School of Physical Science and Technology, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou, 215009, China.
| | - Bo Zhang
- School of Optoelectronic Engineering, Changchun University of Science and Technology, Changchun, 130022, China
| | - Zonglin Liang
- School of Optoelectronic Engineering, Changchun University of Science and Technology, Changchun, 130022, China
- Institute of Space Optoelectronic Technology, Changchun University of Science and Technology, Changchun, 130022, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- School of Optoelectronic Engineering, Changchun University of Science and Technology, Changchun, 130022, China
- Institute of Space Optoelectronic Technology, Changchun University of Science and Technology, Changchun, 130022, China
| | - Yanbo Wang
- School of Optoelectronic Engineering, Changchun University of Science and Technology, Changchun, 130022, China
- Institute of Space Optoelectronic Technology, Changchun University of Science and Technology, Changchun, 130022, China
| | - Xin Zheng
- Changchun Institute of Biological Products, Co., Ltd, Changchun, 130012, China
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2
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Liu C, Wang Y, Li L, Tan P, Li S, Wang G, Guo W, Li Z, Che X, Tian H. Frequency suppression of director oscillations in AC-driven liquid-crystal-based terahertz phase shifters. OPTICS EXPRESS 2023; 31:37186-37196. [PMID: 38017853 DOI: 10.1364/oe.504179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
Frequency-induced instability is widely present in nematic liquid crystals (LCs), which poses a problem in improving liquid-crystal-based phase-shift devices driven by alternating currents. Herein, the Fréedericksz transition of thick nematic LCs was investigated under alternating electric fields to reveal the suppression of frequency-induced instability in the low frequency range. By extending the Frank-Leslie equation to the AC-driven case, the response of the LC was numerically calculated, and the frequency threshold for suppressing the driven instability was estimated in conjunction with the perturbation method. Experimentally, the frequency suppression of LC fluctuations was verified by using applied electric fields. In addition, the root-mean-square-error of the refractive index was measured to be less than 2 × 10-5, which excludes the convective instability-generating domains in devices. It was revealed that the fabricated thick LC phase shifters provided a phase shift of more than 360° at 2 THz and can be used in the terahertz band. It was observed that the electrically driven phase-shift characteristics were in accordance with the theoretical results as the threshold frequency condition was satisfied. This work provides an experimental and theoretical reference for improving modulation performance and enhancing the characterization of AC-driven LC-based phase-shift devices.
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3
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Melnyk O, Jones R, Macêdo R, Camley RE. New quasiperiodic structures in nematic liquid crystals. SOFT MATTER 2023; 19:7644-7654. [PMID: 37779452 DOI: 10.1039/d3sm00884c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Liquid crystal molecules tend to align with each other, often forming regions of opposite alignment that meet at a boundary-topological defects. These often offer information on configuration of the liquid crystal molecules with competing constraints on their order. Here, we experimentally demonstrate a mechanism to generate topological defects in the form of spatially oscillatory domain walls in nematic liquid crystals. We initially orient the molecules perpendicular to the substrate (i.e. homeotropic alignment) and when a horizontal electric field is applied, domain walls that change their shape with time emerge. These walls form at low frequencies of the applied electric field and remain stable as the frequency increases. If the initial biasing field is at larger frequencies (kHz regime), the domain walls still form, but are not oscillatory. We develop a general theory to predict the three-dimensional liquid crystal director evolution in any two-dimensional varying field. This theory gives the time dependence for the domain walls and confirms that both the oscillatory and straight walls are stable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olha Melnyk
- Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
- UCCS BioFrontiers Center and Department of Physics and Energy Science, University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs, CO 80918, USA.
| | - Reed Jones
- UCCS BioFrontiers Center and Department of Physics and Energy Science, University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs, CO 80918, USA.
| | - Rair Macêdo
- James Watt School of Engineering, Electronics & Nanoscale Engineering Division, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Robert E Camley
- UCCS BioFrontiers Center and Department of Physics and Energy Science, University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs, CO 80918, USA.
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4
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Shoji Y, Komiyama R, Kobayashi M, Kosaka A, Kajitani T, Haruki R, Kumai R, Adachi SI, Tada T, Karasawa N, Nakano H, Nakamura H, Sakurai H, Fukushima T. Collective bending motion of a two-dimensionally correlated bowl-stacked columnar liquid crystalline assembly under a shear force. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadg8202. [PMID: 37172082 PMCID: PMC10181172 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adg8202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Stacked teacups inspired the idea that columnar assemblies of stacked bowl-shaped molecules may exhibit a unique dynamic behavior, unlike usual assemblies of planar disc- and rod-shaped molecules. On the basis of the molecular design concept for creating higher-order discotic liquid crystals, found in our group, we synthesized a sumanene derivative with octyloxycarbonyl side chains. This molecule forms an ordered hexagonal columnar mesophase, but unexpectedly, the columnar assembly is very soft, similar to sugar syrup. It displays, upon application of a shear force on solid substrates, a flexible bending motion with continuous angle variations of bowl-stacked columns while preserving the two-dimensional hexagonal order. In general, alignment control of higher-order liquid crystals is difficult to achieve due to their high viscosity. The present system that brings together higher structural order and mechanical softness will spark interest in bowl-shaped molecules as a component for developing higher-order liquid crystals with unique mechanical and stimuli-responsive properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshiaki Shoji
- Laboratory for Chemistry and Life Science, Institute of Innovative Research, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsuta, Midori-ku, Yokohama 226-8503, Japan
- Department of Chemical Science and Engineering, School of Materials and Chemical Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsuta, Midori-ku, Yokohama 226-8503, Japan
| | - Ryo Komiyama
- Department of Chemical Science and Engineering, School of Materials and Chemical Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsuta, Midori-ku, Yokohama 226-8503, Japan
| | - Miki Kobayashi
- Department of Chemical Science and Engineering, School of Materials and Chemical Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsuta, Midori-ku, Yokohama 226-8503, Japan
| | - Atsuko Kosaka
- Laboratory for Chemistry and Life Science, Institute of Innovative Research, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsuta, Midori-ku, Yokohama 226-8503, Japan
| | - Takashi Kajitani
- Open Facility Development Office, Open Facility Center, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsuta, Midori-ku, Yokohama 226-8503, Japan
- RIKEN SPring-8 Center, 1-1-1 Kouto, Sayo, Hyogo 679-5148, Japan
| | - Rie Haruki
- Photon Factory, Institute of Materials Structure Science, High Energy Accelerator Research Organization, 1-1 Oho, Tsukuba 305-0801, Japan
| | - Reiji Kumai
- Photon Factory, Institute of Materials Structure Science, High Energy Accelerator Research Organization, 1-1 Oho, Tsukuba 305-0801, Japan
| | - Shin-Ichi Adachi
- Photon Factory, Institute of Materials Structure Science, High Energy Accelerator Research Organization, 1-1 Oho, Tsukuba 305-0801, Japan
| | - Tomofumi Tada
- Kyushu University Platform of Inter/Transdisciplinary Energy Research, Kyushu University, 744 Motooka, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
| | - Naoyuki Karasawa
- National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba Central 2, 1-1-1 Umezono, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8568, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Nakano
- National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba Central 2, 1-1-1 Umezono, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8568, Japan
| | - Hisao Nakamura
- National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba Central 2, 1-1-1 Umezono, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8568, Japan
| | - Hidehiro Sakurai
- Division of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, 2-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Takanori Fukushima
- Laboratory for Chemistry and Life Science, Institute of Innovative Research, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsuta, Midori-ku, Yokohama 226-8503, Japan
- Department of Chemical Science and Engineering, School of Materials and Chemical Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsuta, Midori-ku, Yokohama 226-8503, Japan
- Living Systems Materialogy (LiSM) Research Group, International Research Frontiers Initiative (IRFI), Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsuta, Midori-ku, Yokohama 226-8503, Japan
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5
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Sharif Azadeh S, Mak JCC, Chen H, Luo X, Chen FD, Chua H, Weiss F, Alexiev C, Stalmashonak A, Jung Y, Straguzzi JN, Lo GQ, Sacher WD, Poon JKS. Microcantilever-integrated photonic circuits for broadband laser beam scanning. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2641. [PMID: 37156850 PMCID: PMC10167362 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38260-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Laser beam scanning is central to many applications, including displays, microscopy, three-dimensional mapping, and quantum information. Reducing the scanners to microchip form factors has spurred the development of very-large-scale photonic integrated circuits of optical phased arrays and focal plane switched arrays. An outstanding challenge remains to simultaneously achieve a compact footprint, broad wavelength operation, and low power consumption. Here, we introduce a laser beam scanner that meets these requirements. Using microcantilevers embedded with silicon nitride nanophotonic circuitry, we demonstrate broadband, one- and two-dimensional steering of light with wavelengths from 410 nm to 700 nm. The microcantilevers have ultracompact ~0.1 mm2 areas, consume ~31 to 46 mW of power, are simple to control, and emit a single light beam. The microcantilevers are monolithically integrated in an active photonic platform on 200-mm silicon wafers. The microcantilever-integrated photonic circuits miniaturize and simplify light projectors to enable versatile, power-efficient, and broadband laser scanner microchips.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeed Sharif Azadeh
- Max Planck Institute of Microstructure Physics, Weinberg 2, 06120, Halle, Germany.
| | - Jason C C Mak
- University of Toronto, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, 10 King's College Road, ON, M5S 3G4, Toronto, Canada
| | - Hong Chen
- Max Planck Institute of Microstructure Physics, Weinberg 2, 06120, Halle, Germany
| | - Xianshu Luo
- Advanced Micro Foundry Pte. Ltd., 11 Science Park Road, Singapore Science Park II, Singapore, 117685, Singapore
| | - Fu-Der Chen
- Max Planck Institute of Microstructure Physics, Weinberg 2, 06120, Halle, Germany
- University of Toronto, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, 10 King's College Road, ON, M5S 3G4, Toronto, Canada
| | - Hongyao Chua
- Advanced Micro Foundry Pte. Ltd., 11 Science Park Road, Singapore Science Park II, Singapore, 117685, Singapore
| | - Frank Weiss
- Max Planck Institute of Microstructure Physics, Weinberg 2, 06120, Halle, Germany
| | - Christopher Alexiev
- University of Toronto, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, 10 King's College Road, ON, M5S 3G4, Toronto, Canada
| | - Andrei Stalmashonak
- Max Planck Institute of Microstructure Physics, Weinberg 2, 06120, Halle, Germany
| | - Youngho Jung
- Max Planck Institute of Microstructure Physics, Weinberg 2, 06120, Halle, Germany
| | - John N Straguzzi
- Max Planck Institute of Microstructure Physics, Weinberg 2, 06120, Halle, Germany
| | - Guo-Qiang Lo
- Advanced Micro Foundry Pte. Ltd., 11 Science Park Road, Singapore Science Park II, Singapore, 117685, Singapore
| | - Wesley D Sacher
- Max Planck Institute of Microstructure Physics, Weinberg 2, 06120, Halle, Germany
| | - Joyce K S Poon
- Max Planck Institute of Microstructure Physics, Weinberg 2, 06120, Halle, Germany.
- University of Toronto, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, 10 King's College Road, ON, M5S 3G4, Toronto, Canada.
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6
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Davies M, Hobbs MJ, Nohl J, Davies B, Rodenburg C, Willmott JR. Aerosol jet printing polymer dispersed liquid crystals on highly curved optical surfaces and edges. Sci Rep 2022; 12:18496. [PMID: 36323762 PMCID: PMC9630532 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-23292-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
We demonstrate a new technique for producing Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal (PDLC) devices utilising aerosol jet printing (AJP). PDLCs require two substrates to act as scaffold for the Indium Tin Oxide electrodes, which restricts the device geometries. Our approach precludes the requirement for the second substrate by printing the electrode directly onto the surface of the PDLC, which is also printed. The process has the potential to be precursory to the implementation of non-contact printing techniques for a variety of liquid crystal-based devices on non-planar substrates. We report the demonstration of direct deposition of PDLC films onto non-planar optical surfaces, including a functional device printed over the 90° edge of a prism. Scanning Electron Microscopy is used to inspect surface features of the polymer electrodes and the liquid crystal domains in the host polymer. The minimum relaxation time of the PDLC was measured at 1.3 ms with an 800 Hz, 90 V, peak-to-peak (Vpp) applied AC field. Cross-polarised transmission is reduced by up to a factor of 3.9. A transparent/scattering contrast ratio of 1.4 is reported between 0 and 140 V at 100 Hz.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Davies
- Sensor Systems Group, Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.
| | - Matthew J. Hobbs
- grid.11835.3e0000 0004 1936 9262Sensor Systems Group, Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - James Nohl
- grid.11835.3e0000 0004 1936 9262Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Benedict Davies
- grid.11835.3e0000 0004 1936 9262Sensor Systems Group, Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Cornelia Rodenburg
- grid.11835.3e0000 0004 1936 9262Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Jon R. Willmott
- grid.11835.3e0000 0004 1936 9262Sensor Systems Group, Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
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7
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Emelyanenko AV, Rudyak VY, Shvetsov SA, Araoka F, Nishikawa H, Ishikawa K. Emergence of paraelectric, improper antiferroelectric, and proper ferroelectric nematic phases in a liquid crystal composed of polar molecules. Phys Rev E 2022; 105:064701. [PMID: 35854528 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.105.064701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
We have elaborated a theoretical approach for the description of polar nematic phases observed by Nishikawa et al. [Adv. Mater. 29, 1702354 (2017)0935-964810.1002/adma.201702354], their structures, and transitions between them. Specific symmetry contributions to the pair molecular potentials provide the molecular mechanisms responsible for the formation of proper and improper polarity on the macroscopic level. An improper antiferroelectric nematic M2 phase can arise between paraelectric nematic M1 and proper ferroelectric nematic MP in the temperature scale. The local polarization in M2 arises mostly due to the local splay deformation. The director distribution in M2 represents the conjugation of cylindrical waves with opposite splay and polarization signs. The director and polarization are parallel to the cylindrical domain axes in the middle of each cylinder but exhibit considerable (mostly radial) deformation on the periphery of each cylinder. Polarization vectors are mostly stacked antiparallel on the borders between the domains without the director disruption. The domain size decreases with the decreasing temperature, the percentage of the antiferroelectric decouplings increases, and M2 exhibits the first-order phase transition into proper ferroelectric MP. With the increasing temperature the domain size in the M2 phase increases, the domination of particular polar orientation of molecules reduces, and finally, the domain size diverges at particular temperature corresponding to the second-order phase transition from M2 to paraelectric M1. Variations of the polar and nonpolar orientational order parameters are estimated within each phase and between the phases. Our experimental and computer simulation results (also presented in the paper) fully support our theoretical findings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - V Yu Rudyak
- Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - S A Shvetsov
- Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow 119991, Russia
- Lebedev Physical Institute, Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - F Araoka
- RIKEN Center for Emergent Matter Science (CEMS), 2-1 Hirosawa Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - H Nishikawa
- RIKEN Center for Emergent Matter Science (CEMS), 2-1 Hirosawa Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - K Ishikawa
- Tokyo Institute of Technology, 2-12-1 Ookayama, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 152-8550, Japan
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8
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Interference Spectral Imaging Based on Liquid Crystal Relaxation and Its Application in Optical Component Defect Detection. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/app12020718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In this paper, we propose a fast interference spectral imaging system based on liquid crystal (LC) relaxation. The path delay of nematic LC during falling relaxation is used for the scanning of the optical path. Hyperspectral data can be obtained by Fourier transforming the data according to the path delay. The system can obtain two-dimensional spatial images of arbitrary wavelengths in the range of 300–1100 nm with a spectral resolution of 262 cm−1. Compared with conventional Fourier transform spectroscopy, the system can easily collect and integrate all valid information within 20 s. Based on the LC, controlling the optical path difference between two orthogonally polarized beams can avoid mechanical movement. Finally, the potential for application in contactless and rapid non-destructive optical component defect inspection is demonstrated.
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9
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Feringa R, Siebe HS, Klement WJN, Steen JD, Browne WR. Single wavelength colour tuning of spiropyran and dithienylethene based photochromic coatings. MATERIALS ADVANCES 2022; 3:282-289. [PMID: 35128415 PMCID: PMC8724907 DOI: 10.1039/d1ma00839k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Controlling the transmission of thin films with external stimuli is an important goal in functional optical materials and devices. Tuning is especially challenging where both broad band (neutral density filtering) and spectrally varied (colour) transmission are required. The external control provided by photochemically driven switching, between transmission levels and colours, is functionally simple from a device perspective. The limits due to the spectral ranges of individual photochromic compounds can be overcome by combining several photochromes within one material or device. Here we show that a combination of photochromic molecular switches immobilised in a PMMA polymer matrix enables tuning of colour and transparency. We show that only a single excitation wavelength is required through the use of the primary inner filter effect and the layered construction of the films in which the photochromes nitrospiropyran (NSP), and nitrothiospiropyran (TSP) or 1,2-bis-terthienyl-hexafluorocyclopentene (DTE) are separated spatially. The approach taken circumvents the need to match photochemical quantum yields and thermal reactivity of the component photochromes. The photochemical switching of the films was characterised by UV/vis absorption spectroscopy and shows that switching rates and photostationary states are limited by inner filter effects rather than the intrinsic properties of photochromes, such as photochemical quantum yields and thermal stability. The photochemical behaviour and stability of the photochromes in solution and in the PMMA films were compared and the concentration range over which self-inhibition of photochemical switching occurs was established. The rate of photochemical switching and the difference in transmission between the spiropyran and merocyanine forms in solution enable prediction of the performance in the films and enable rational design of colour tuning ranges and responsivity in thin film filters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruben Feringa
- Molecular Inorganic Chemistry, Stratingh Institute for Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Groningen Nijenborgh 4 9747AG Groningen The Netherlands
| | - Harmke S Siebe
- Molecular Inorganic Chemistry, Stratingh Institute for Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Groningen Nijenborgh 4 9747AG Groningen The Netherlands
| | - W J Niels Klement
- Molecular Inorganic Chemistry, Stratingh Institute for Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Groningen Nijenborgh 4 9747AG Groningen The Netherlands
| | - Jorn D Steen
- Molecular Inorganic Chemistry, Stratingh Institute for Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Groningen Nijenborgh 4 9747AG Groningen The Netherlands
| | - Wesley R Browne
- Molecular Inorganic Chemistry, Stratingh Institute for Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Groningen Nijenborgh 4 9747AG Groningen The Netherlands
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10
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Shoji Y, Kobayashi M, Kosaka A, Haruki R, Kumai R, Adachi SI, Kajitani T, Fukushima T. Design of discotic liquid crystal enabling complete switching between and memory of two alignment states over a large area. Chem Sci 2022; 13:9891-9901. [PMID: 36128239 PMCID: PMC9430577 DOI: 10.1039/d2sc03677k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The alignment control of discotic columnar liquid crystals (LCs), featuring a low motility of the constituent molecules and thus having a large viscosity, is a challenging task. Here we show that triphenylene hexacarboxylic ester, when functionalized with hybrid side chains consisting of alkyl and perfluoroalkyl groups in an appropriate ratio, gives a hexagonal columnar (Colh) LC capable of selectively forming large-area uniform homeotropic or homogeneous alignments, upon cooling from its isotropic melt or upon application of a shear force at its LC temperature, respectively. In addition to the alignment switching ability, each alignment state remains persistent unless the LC is heated to its melting temperature. In situ X-ray diffraction analysis under the application of a shear force, together with polarized optical microscopy observations, revealed how the columnar assembly is changed during the alignment-switching process. The remarkable behavior of the discotic LC is discussed in terms of its rheological properties. A columnar liquid crystal consisting of a triphenylene hexacarboxylic ester mesogen and semifluoroalkyl side chains shows complete switching between homeotropic and homogeneous alignments, each of which remains persistent up to its melting point.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshiaki Shoji
- Laboratory for Chemistry and Life Science, Institute of Innovative Research, Tokyo Institute of Technology 4259 Nagatsuta, Midori-ku Yokohama 226-8503 Japan
- Department of Chemical Science and Engineering, School of Materials and Chemical Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology 4259 Nagatsuta, Midori-ku Yokohama 226-8503 Japan
| | - Miki Kobayashi
- Department of Chemical Science and Engineering, School of Materials and Chemical Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology 4259 Nagatsuta, Midori-ku Yokohama 226-8503 Japan
| | - Atsuko Kosaka
- Laboratory for Chemistry and Life Science, Institute of Innovative Research, Tokyo Institute of Technology 4259 Nagatsuta, Midori-ku Yokohama 226-8503 Japan
| | - Rie Haruki
- Photon Factory, Institute of Materials Structure Science, High Energy Accelerator Research Organization 1-1 Oho Tsukuba 305-0801 Japan
| | - Reiji Kumai
- Photon Factory, Institute of Materials Structure Science, High Energy Accelerator Research Organization 1-1 Oho Tsukuba 305-0801 Japan
| | - Shin-Ichi Adachi
- Photon Factory, Institute of Materials Structure Science, High Energy Accelerator Research Organization 1-1 Oho Tsukuba 305-0801 Japan
| | - Takashi Kajitani
- Open Facility Development Office, Open Facility Center, Tokyo Institute of Technology 4259 Nagatsuta, Midori-ku Yokohama 226-8503 Japan
- RIKEN SPring-8 Center 1-1-1 Kouto, Sayo Hyogo 679-5148 Japan
| | - Takanori Fukushima
- Laboratory for Chemistry and Life Science, Institute of Innovative Research, Tokyo Institute of Technology 4259 Nagatsuta, Midori-ku Yokohama 226-8503 Japan
- Department of Chemical Science and Engineering, School of Materials and Chemical Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology 4259 Nagatsuta, Midori-ku Yokohama 226-8503 Japan
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11
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Jones R, Melnyk O, Macêdo R, Camley RE. Vertically Stacked Soliton‐Like Domain Walls in Nematic Liquid Crystals. ADVANCED THEORY AND SIMULATIONS 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/adts.202100252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Reed Jones
- UCCS BioFrontiers Center and Department of Physics and Energy Science University of Colorado Colorado Springs Colorado Springs CO 80918 USA
| | - Olha Melnyk
- UCCS BioFrontiers Center and Department of Physics and Energy Science University of Colorado Colorado Springs Colorado Springs CO 80918 USA
- Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research Department of Pediatrics Indiana University School of Medicine Indianapolis IN 46202 USA
| | - Rair Macêdo
- James Watt School of Engineering Electronics & Nanoscale Engineering Division University of Glasgow Glasgow G12 8QQ UK
| | - Robert E. Camley
- UCCS BioFrontiers Center and Department of Physics and Energy Science University of Colorado Colorado Springs Colorado Springs CO 80918 USA
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