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Li Y, Wu ST. Advancing from scalar to vectorial liquid crystal holography: a paradigm shift. LIGHT, SCIENCE & APPLICATIONS 2024; 13:207. [PMID: 39179526 PMCID: PMC11343863 DOI: 10.1038/s41377-024-01538-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/26/2024]
Abstract
A versatile and tunable vectorial holography is demonstrated based on single-layer single-material liquid crystal superstructures. This novel approach advances the process from scalar to vectorial holography, opening new opportunities for advanced cryptography, super‑resolution imaging, and many other tunable photonic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Li
- Department of Electronic Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China.
| | - Shin-Tson Wu
- College of Optics and Photonics, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, 32816, USA.
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2
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Wu KH, Zhu LT, Xiao FF, Hu X, Li SS, Chen LJ. Light-regulated soliton dynamics in liquid crystals. Nat Commun 2024; 15:7217. [PMID: 39174533 PMCID: PMC11341711 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-51383-w] [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: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 08/06/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Electrically powered solitons are particle-like field configurations in out-of-equilibrium nematics that have garnered significant interest. However, their random generation and lack of controllable motion have limited their application. Here, we present a reconfigurable optoelectronic approach capable of regulating the entire lifecycle of solitons by utilizing multi-strategy digital light projection to construct delicate patterning of virtual electrode. We demonstrate that optically actuated domains with diverse geometry enable the generation of multiple solitons and further allow in-situ formation of individual soliton by matching the light pattern to its dimension. Exquisitely engineered light intensity of patterns facilitates modulation of soliton velocity and transformation of propagating direction. The utilization of a light-guided channel enables the on-demand control of soliton trajectories along customized paths. Furthermore, dynamic light patterns that vary in space and time allow for collective motion such as migration, mimicking phototaxis in biological systems. This reconfigurable manipulation strategy, grounded in the photoconductive effect, proves highly versatile and effective in directing soliton dynamics, heralding the potential for their programmable control and offering a significant advantage in multitasking scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke-Hui Wu
- Department of Electronic Engineering, School of Electronic Science and Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Li-Ting Zhu
- Department of Electronic Engineering, School of Electronic Science and Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Fang-Fang Xiao
- Department of Electronic Engineering, School of Electronic Science and Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Xuejia Hu
- Department of Electronic Engineering, School of Electronic Science and Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Ultrafast Laser Technology and Applications, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Sen-Sen Li
- Department of Electronic Engineering, School of Electronic Science and Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Ultrafast Laser Technology and Applications, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.
| | - Lu-Jian Chen
- Department of Electronic Engineering, School of Electronic Science and Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Ultrafast Laser Technology and Applications, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.
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3
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Tang C. Fundamental Aspects of Stretchable Mechanochromic Materials: Fabrication and Characterization. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 17:3980. [PMID: 39203158 PMCID: PMC11355797 DOI: 10.3390/ma17163980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2024] [Revised: 08/08/2024] [Accepted: 08/08/2024] [Indexed: 09/03/2024]
Abstract
Mechanochromic materials provide optical changes in response to mechanical stress and are of interest in a wide range of potential applications such as strain sensing, structural health monitoring, and encryption. Advanced manufacturing such as 3D printing enables the fabrication of complex patterns and geometries. In this work, classes of stretchable mechanochromic materials that provide visual color changes when tension is applied, namely, dyes, polymer dispersed liquid crystals, liquid crystal elastomers, cellulose nanocrystals, photonic nanostructures, hydrogels, and hybrid systems (combinations of other classes) are reviewed. For each class, synthesis and processing, as well as the mechanism of color change are discussed. To enable materials selection across the classes, the mechanochromic sensitivity of the different classes of materials are compared. Photonic systems demonstrate high mechanochromic sensitivity (Δnm/% strain), large dynamic color range, and rapid reversibility. Further, the mechanochromic behavior can be predicted using a simple mechanical model. Photonic systems with a wide range of mechanical properties (elastic modulus) have been achieved. The addition of dyes to photonic systems has broadened the dynamic range, i.e., the strain over which there is an optical change. For applications in which irreversible color change is desired, dye-based systems or liquid crystal elastomer systems can be formulated. While many promising applications have been demonstrated, manufacturing uniform color on a large scale remains a challenge. Standardized characterization methods are needed to translate materials to practical applications. The sustainability of mechanochromic materials is also an important consideration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Tang
- Chemical and Life Science Engineering Department, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, USA
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4
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Zhang Z, Deng C, Fan X, Li M, Zhang M, Wang X, Chen F, Shi S, Zhou Y, Deng L, Gao H, Xiong W. 3D Directional Assembly of Liquid Crystal Molecules. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2401533. [PMID: 38794830 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202401533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
The precise construction of hierarchically long-range ordered structures using molecules as fundamental building blocks can fully harness their anisotropy and potential. However, the 3D, high-precision, and single-step directional assembly of molecules is a long-pending challenge. Here, a 3D directional molecular assembly strategy via femtosecond laser direct writing (FsLDW) is proposed and the feasibility of this approach using liquid crystal (LC) molecules as an illustrative example is demonstrated. The physical mechanism for femtosecond (fs) laser-induced assembly of LC molecules is investigated, and precise 3D arbitrary assembly of LC molecules is achieved by defining the discretized laser scanning pathway. Additionally, an LC-based Fresnel zone plate array with polarization selection and colorization imaging functions is fabricated to further illustrate the potential of this method. This study not only introduces a 3D high-resolution alignment method for LC-based functional devices but also establishes a universal protocol for the precise 3D directional assembly of anisotropic molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zexu Zhang
- Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, School of Optical and Electronic Information, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Chunsan Deng
- Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, School of Optical and Electronic Information, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Xuhao Fan
- Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, School of Optical and Electronic Information, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Minjing Li
- Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, School of Optical and Electronic Information, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Mingduo Zhang
- Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, School of Optical and Electronic Information, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Xinger Wang
- Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, School of Optical and Electronic Information, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Fayu Chen
- Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, School of Optical and Electronic Information, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Shaoxi Shi
- Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, School of Optical and Electronic Information, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Yining Zhou
- Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, School of Optical and Electronic Information, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Leimin Deng
- Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, School of Optical and Electronic Information, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
- Optics Valley Laboratory, Hubei, 430074, China
| | - Hui Gao
- Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, School of Optical and Electronic Information, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
- Optics Valley Laboratory, Hubei, 430074, China
| | - Wei Xiong
- Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, School of Optical and Electronic Information, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
- Optics Valley Laboratory, Hubei, 430074, China
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5
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Sato T, Tsujinoue H, Arai N, Takahashi KZ. Coarse-grained molecular simulation of the effect of liquid crystal molecular pitch on structure in cylindrical confinement. Phys Rev E 2024; 110:014701. [PMID: 39161020 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.110.014701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 08/21/2024]
Abstract
Blue phases (BPs) consist of three-dimensional self-assembled structures formed by a double-twisted columnar arrangement of liquid crystal molecules. Although their unique optical and structural properties render BPs particularly useful for applications such as liquid crystal displays, BPs typically appear in a narrow temperature range between the isotropic and nematic phases. This thermodynamic instability impedes their practical applicability. However, the simulations we present here showed that, in a quasi-one-dimensional system confined to nanospace, a phase equivalent to the BP appears and persists between the nematic and smectic phases. Confinement to a nanotube (NT) with a relatively small radius enables the BP to be maintained over a wide temperature range, whereas for an NT with a relatively larger radius, the BP appears only in a very narrow temperature range between the aforementioned phases. We additionally showed that the pitch of the BP is dependent on and can be controlled by adjusting the radius of the NTs. This finding has significant implications for the potential application of these materials in fields such as photonics and chiral separation technologies.
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Mahyaoui CN, Davidson P, Meyer C, Dozov I. Polymerisation of twist-bend nematic textures for electro-optical applications. SOFT MATTER 2024; 20:4859-4867. [PMID: 38726592 DOI: 10.1039/d4sm00270a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
Polymer-stabilised liquid crystals (PSLCs) have recently been used to maintain the focal conic domains (FCDs) typical of the smectic A phase in the nematic phase for smart window applications. The newly discovered twist-bend nematic phase of bent-shaped dimers also exhibits FCDs due to its pseudo-layered structure. The variety of topological defects in the NTB phase is arguably even greater than in the smectic A phase, but the NTB phase is often metastable and usually crystallises at room temperature, which hinders its use in electro-optical applications. Here we show how different textures (FCDs, rope-like texture, double helices) of the NTB phase can be polymerised and then maintained in the nematic phase, at room temperature. This allows us to combine in PSLCs the optical properties of these defects, the thermal stability of the nematic phase and its reversible response to an electric field. We also show that the polymerised FCDs of the NTB phase could be used in smart glass applications and that the polymerised rope-like texture could be of interest for optical modulators and beam steering. In addition, the polymerisation of double helices could help to better understand their formation and structure in the NTB phase. More fundamentally, our work shows that despite the lack of density modulation, the textures of the NTB phase, thanks to its periodic character, can be exploited in the same way as those of the smectic A phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille N Mahyaoui
- Laboratoire "Surface du Verre et Interfaces" UMR 125 Saint-Gobain, CNRS, Aubervilliers, France.
- Laboratoire de Physique des Solides, Université Paris Saclay, CNRS, Orsay, France
- Physique des Systèmes Complexes, Université de Picardie Jules Verne, Amiens, France
| | - Patrick Davidson
- Laboratoire de Physique des Solides, Université Paris Saclay, CNRS, Orsay, France
| | - Claire Meyer
- Physique des Systèmes Complexes, Université de Picardie Jules Verne, Amiens, France
| | - Ivan Dozov
- Laboratoire de Physique des Solides, Université Paris Saclay, CNRS, Orsay, France
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7
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Zhang J, Zhang Y, Yang J, Wang X. Beyond Color Boundaries: Pioneering Developments in Cholesteric Liquid Crystal Photonic Actuators. MICROMACHINES 2024; 15:808. [PMID: 38930778 PMCID: PMC11205596 DOI: 10.3390/mi15060808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2024] [Revised: 06/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Creatures in nature make extensive use of structural color adaptive camouflage to survive. Cholesteric liquid crystals, with nanostructures similar to those of natural organisms, can be combined with actuators to produce bright structural colors in response to a wide range of stimuli. Structural colors modulated by nano-helical structures can continuously and selectively reflect specific wavelengths of light, breaking the limit of colors recognizable by the human eye. In this review, the current state of research on cholesteric liquid crystal photonic actuators and their technological applications is presented. First, the basic concepts of cholesteric liquid crystals and their nanostructural modulation are outlined. Then, the cholesteric liquid crystal photonic actuators responding to different stimuli (mechanical, thermal, electrical, light, humidity, magnetic, pneumatic) are presented. This review describes the practical applications of cholesteric liquid crystal photonic actuators and summarizes the prospects for the development of these advanced structures as well as the challenges and their promising applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinying Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Precision Optoelectronic Measurement Instrument and Technology, School of Optics and Photonics, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China; (Y.Z.); (J.Y.); (X.W.)
- Yangtze Delta Region Academy of Beijing Institute of Technology, Jiaxing 314001, China
| | - Yexiaotong Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Precision Optoelectronic Measurement Instrument and Technology, School of Optics and Photonics, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China; (Y.Z.); (J.Y.); (X.W.)
| | - Jiaxing Yang
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Precision Optoelectronic Measurement Instrument and Technology, School of Optics and Photonics, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China; (Y.Z.); (J.Y.); (X.W.)
| | - Xinye Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Precision Optoelectronic Measurement Instrument and Technology, School of Optics and Photonics, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China; (Y.Z.); (J.Y.); (X.W.)
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Cheng M, Cai W, Wang Z, Chen L, Yuan D, Ma Z, Bai Z, Kong D, Cen M, Xu S, Srivastava AK, Liu YJ. Responsive Liquid Crystal Network Microstructures with Customized Shapes and Predetermined Morphing for Adaptive Soft Micro-Optics. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024; 16:31776-31787. [PMID: 38858834 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.4c04275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
Stimuli-responsive materials have garnered substantial interest in recent years, particularly liquid crystal networks (LCNs) with sophisticatedly designed structures and morphing capabilities. Extensive efforts have been devoted to LCN structural designs spanning from two-dimensional (2D) to three-dimensional (3D) configurations and their intricate morphing behaviors through designed alignment. However, achieving microscale structures and large-area preparation necessitates the development of novel techniques capable of facilely fabricating LCN microstructures with precise control over both overall shape and alignment, enabling a 3D-to-3D shape change. Herein, a simple and cost-effective in-cell soft lithography (ICSL) technique is proposed to create LCN microstructures with customized shapes and predesigned morphing. The ICSL technique involves two sequential steps: fabricating the desired microstructure as the template by using the photopolymerization-induced phase separation (PIPS) method and reproducing the LCN microstructures through templating. Meanwhile, surface anchoring is employed to design and achieve molecular alignment, accommodating different deformation modes. With the proposed ICSL technique, cylindrical and spherical microlens arrays (CMLAs and SMLAs) have been successfully fabricated with stimulus-driven polarization-dependent focusing effects. This technique offers distinct advantages including high customizability, large-area production, and cost-effectiveness, which pave a new avenue for extensive applications in different fields, exemplified by adaptive soft micro-optics and photonics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Cheng
- Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
- Shenzhen Engineering Research Center for High Resolution Light Field Display and Technology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
- State Key Laboratory of Optical Fiber and Cable Manufacture Technology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Displays and Optoelectronics Technologies, and Centre for Display Research, Department of Electronic and Computer Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Wenfeng Cai
- Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
- Shenzhen Engineering Research Center for High Resolution Light Field Display and Technology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
- State Key Laboratory of Optical Fiber and Cable Manufacture Technology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Zhenming Wang
- Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
- Shenzhen Engineering Research Center for High Resolution Light Field Display and Technology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
- State Key Laboratory of Optical Fiber and Cable Manufacture Technology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Lei Chen
- Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
- Shenzhen Engineering Research Center for High Resolution Light Field Display and Technology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
- State Key Laboratory of Optical Fiber and Cable Manufacture Technology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Dandan Yuan
- Department of Mechanical and Energy Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Zongjun Ma
- Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
- Shenzhen Engineering Research Center for High Resolution Light Field Display and Technology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
- State Key Laboratory of Optical Fiber and Cable Manufacture Technology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Ziyan Bai
- Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
- Shenzhen Engineering Research Center for High Resolution Light Field Display and Technology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
- State Key Laboratory of Optical Fiber and Cable Manufacture Technology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Delai Kong
- Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
- Shenzhen Engineering Research Center for High Resolution Light Field Display and Technology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
- State Key Laboratory of Optical Fiber and Cable Manufacture Technology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Mengjia Cen
- Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
- Shenzhen Engineering Research Center for High Resolution Light Field Display and Technology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
- State Key Laboratory of Optical Fiber and Cable Manufacture Technology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Shaolin Xu
- Department of Mechanical and Energy Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Abhishek Kumar Srivastava
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Displays and Optoelectronics Technologies, and Centre for Display Research, Department of Electronic and Computer Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Yan Jun Liu
- Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
- Shenzhen Engineering Research Center for High Resolution Light Field Display and Technology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
- State Key Laboratory of Optical Fiber and Cable Manufacture Technology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
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Nam S, Jung W, Shin JH, Choi SS. Omnidirectional color wavelength tuning of stretchable chiral liquid crystal elastomers. LIGHT, SCIENCE & APPLICATIONS 2024; 13:114. [PMID: 38773092 PMCID: PMC11109264 DOI: 10.1038/s41377-024-01470-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
Wavelength-tunable structural colors using stimuli-responsive materials, such as chiral liquid crystals (CLCs), have attracted increasing attention owing to their high functionality in various tunable photonic applications. Ideally, on-demand omnidirectional wavelength control is highly desirable from the perspective of wavelength-tuning freedom. However, despite numerous previous research efforts on tunable CLC structural colors, only mono-directional wavelength tuning toward shorter wavelengths has been employed in most studies to date. In this study, we report the ideally desired omnidirectional wavelength control toward longer and shorter wavelengths with significantly improved tunability over a broadband wavelength range. By using areal expanding and contractive strain control of dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs) with chiral liquid crystal elastomers (CLCEs), simultaneous and omnidirectional structural color-tuning control was achieved. This breakthrough in omnidirectional wavelength control enhances the achievable tuning freedom and versatility, making it applicable to a broad range of high-functional photonic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seungmin Nam
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, Korea
| | - Wontae Jung
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, Korea
| | - Jun Hyuk Shin
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, Korea
| | - Su Seok Choi
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, Korea.
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10
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Xie W, Lin T, Zheng H, Yu J, Zhong Y, Chen Z, Zhu W. Two-dimensional beam scanning by tunable photonic spin Hall effect. OPTICS EXPRESS 2024; 32:16514-16522. [PMID: 38859276 DOI: 10.1364/oe.523529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
To the best of our knowledge, a novel tunable photonic spin Hall effect is proposed based on a pair of liquid crystal Pancharatnam-Berry (PB) lenses. Owing to the spin-dependent geometric phases, a PB lens focus or defocus the incident light field according to its spin angular momentum. By cascading two PB lenses with a small gap, the focus and defocus effects can be suppressed, and the transmitted light fields with opposite spin will be deflected toward opposite directions when the two PB lenses have a relative lateral displacement. The deflection angles vary linearly with the displacements, thus double-lines two-dimensional continuous beam scanning is achieved with a scanning angle of 39o × 39° and a beam diverging angle of 0.028o × 0.028°. The scanning beam is used to write different patterns on a 200 nm thick gold film. We believe this beam scanning system can find wide applications ranging from laser processing, Lidar, particle manipulation, to free space optical communications.
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11
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Radka BP, Lee T, Smalyukh II, White TJ. The association of structural chirality and liquid crystal anchoring in polymer stabilized cholesteric liquid crystals. SOFT MATTER 2024; 20:1815-1823. [PMID: 38305433 DOI: 10.1039/d3sm01558k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Polymer stabilized cholesteric liquid crystals (PSCLCs) are electrically reconfigurable reflective elements. Prior studies have hypothesized and indirectly confirmed that the electro-optic response of these composites is associated with the electrically mediated distortion of the stabilizing polymer network. The proposed mechanism is based on the retention of structural chirality in the polymer stabilizing network, which upon deformation is spatially distorted, which accordingly affects the pitch of the surrounding low molar-mass liquid crystal host. Here, we utilize fluorescent confocal polarized microscopy to directly assess the electro-optic response of PSCLCs. By utilizing dual fluorescent probes, sequential imaging experiments confirm that the periodicity of the polymer stabilizing network matches that of the low molar-mass liquid crystal host. Further, we isolate distinct ion-polymer interactions that manifest in certain photopolymerization conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian P Radka
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, USA.
| | - Taewoo Lee
- Department of Physics, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
| | - Ivan I Smalyukh
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
- Department of Physics, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
- Renewable and Sustainable Energy Institute, National Renewable Energy Laboratory and University of Colorado, Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
| | - Timothy J White
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, USA.
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
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12
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Piven A, Darmoroz D, Skorb E, Orlova T. Machine learning methods for liquid crystal research: phases, textures, defects and physical properties. SOFT MATTER 2024; 20:1380-1391. [PMID: 38288719 DOI: 10.1039/d3sm01634j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
Liquid crystal materials, with their unique properties and diverse applications, have long captured the attention of researchers and industries alike. From liquid crystal displays and electro-optical devices to advanced sensors and emerging technologies, the study and application of liquid crystals continue to be of paramount importance in the fields of materials science, chemistry and physics. With the ever-increasing complexity and diversity of liquid crystal materials, researchers face new challenges in understanding their behaviors, properties, and potential applications. On the other hand, machine learning, a rapidly evolving interdisciplinary field at the intersection of computer science and data analysis, has already become a powerful tool for unraveling implicit correlations and predicting new properties of a wide variety of physical and chemical systems and structures. Here we aim to consider how machine learning methods are suitable for solving fundamental problems in the field of liquid crystals and what are the advantages of this artificial intelligence based approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasiia Piven
- Infochemistry Scientific Center, ITMO University, Saint-Petersburg, Russia.
| | - Darina Darmoroz
- Infochemistry Scientific Center, ITMO University, Saint-Petersburg, Russia.
| | - Ekaterina Skorb
- Infochemistry Scientific Center, ITMO University, Saint-Petersburg, Russia.
| | - Tetiana Orlova
- Infochemistry Scientific Center, ITMO University, Saint-Petersburg, Russia.
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Hussain S, Zourob M. Solid-State Cholesteric Liquid Crystals as an Emerging Platform for the Development of Optical Photonic Sensors. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2304590. [PMID: 37800619 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202304590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
Over the past decade, solid-state cholesteric liquid crystals (CLCsolid ) have emerged as a promising photonic material, heralding new opportunities for the advancement of optical photonic biosensors and actuators. The periodic helical structure of CLCsolid s gives rise to their distinctive capability of selectively reflecting incident radiation, rendering them highly promising contenders for a wide spectrum of photonic applications. Extensive research is conducted on utilizing CLCsolid 's optical characteristics to create optical sensors for bioassays, diagnostics, and environmental monitoring. This review provides an overview of emerging technologies in the field of interpenetrating polymeric network-CLCsolid (IPN) and CLCsolid -based optical sensors, including their structural designs, processing, essential materials, working principles, and fabrication methodologies. The review concludes with a forward-looking perspective, addressing current challenges and potential trajectories for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saddam Hussain
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Alfaisal University, Al-Maather, Riyadh, 11533, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Zourob
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Alfaisal University, Al-Maather, Riyadh, 11533, Saudi Arabia
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14
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Urbańska M, Zając M, Perkowski P, Deptuch A. The Influence of the Molecular Structure of Compounds on Their Properties and the Occurrence of Chiral Smectic Phases. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 17:618. [PMID: 38591460 PMCID: PMC10856103 DOI: 10.3390/ma17030618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
We have designed new chiral smectic mesogens with the -CH2O group near the chiral center. We synthesized two unique rod-like compounds. We determined the mesomorphic properties of these mesogens and confirmed the phase identification using dielectric spectroscopy. Depending on the length of the oligomethylene spacer (i.e., the number of methylene groups) in the achiral part of the molecules, the studied materials show different phase sequences. Moreover, the temperature ranges of the observed smectic phases are different. It can be seen that as the length of the alkyl chain increases, the liquid crystalline material shows more mesophases. Additionally, its clearing (isotropization) temperature increases. The studied compounds are compared with the structurally similar smectogens previously synthesized. The helical pitch measurements were performed using the selective reflection method. These materials can be useful and effective as chiral components and dopants in smectic mixtures targeted for optoelectronics and photonics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Urbańska
- Institute of Chemistry, Military University of Technology, Kaliskiego 2, 00-908 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Monika Zając
- Institute of Chemistry, Military University of Technology, Kaliskiego 2, 00-908 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Paweł Perkowski
- Institute of Applied Physics, Military University of Technology, Kaliskiego 2, 00-908 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Aleksandra Deptuch
- Institute of Nuclear Physics Polish Academy of Sciences, Radzikowskiego 152, 31-342 Krakow, Poland;
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15
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Wang D, Li YL, Chu F, Li NN, Li ZS, Lee SD, Nie ZQ, Liu C, Wang QH. Color liquid crystal grating based color holographic 3D display system with large viewing angle. LIGHT, SCIENCE & APPLICATIONS 2024; 13:16. [PMID: 38221521 PMCID: PMC10788332 DOI: 10.1038/s41377-023-01375-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Holographic 3D display is highly desirable for numerous applications ranging from medical treatments to military affairs. However, it is challenging to simultaneously achieve large viewing angle and high-fidelity color reconstruction due to the intractable constraints of existing technology. Here, we conceptually propose and experimentally demonstrate a simple and feasible pathway of using a well-designed color liquid crystal grating to overcome the inevitable chromatic aberration and enlarge the holographic viewing angle, thus enabling large-viewing-angle and color holographic 3D display. The use of color liquid crystal grating allows performing secondary diffraction modulation on red, green and blue reproduced images simultaneously and extending the viewing angle in the holographic 3D display system. In principle, a chromatic aberration-free hologram generation mechanism in combination with the color liquid crystal grating is proposed to pave the way for on such a superior holographic 3D display. The proposed system shows a color viewing angle of ~50.12°, which is about 7 times that of the traditional system with a single spatial light modulator. This work presents a paradigm for achieving desirable holographic 3D display, and is expected to provide a new way for the wide application of holographic display.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Wang
- School of Instrumentation and Optoelectronic Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, China
- State Key Laboratory of Virtual Reality Technology and Systems, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Yi-Long Li
- School of Instrumentation and Optoelectronic Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Fan Chu
- School of Instrumentation and Optoelectronic Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Nan-Nan Li
- School of Instrumentation and Optoelectronic Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Zhao-Song Li
- School of Instrumentation and Optoelectronic Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Sin-Doo Lee
- Display Technology Research Center, Seoul National University, Gwanak-ro 1, Gwanak-gu, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Zhong-Quan Nie
- Key Lab of Advanced Transducers and Intelligent Control System, Ministry of Education, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan, 030024, China
| | - Chao Liu
- School of Instrumentation and Optoelectronic Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Qiong-Hua Wang
- School of Instrumentation and Optoelectronic Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Virtual Reality Technology and Systems, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, China.
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16
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Linares-Moreau M, Brandner LA, Velásquez-Hernández MDJ, Fonseca J, Benseghir Y, Chin JM, Maspoch D, Doonan C, Falcaro P. Fabrication of Oriented Polycrystalline MOF Superstructures. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2309645. [PMID: 38018327 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202309645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
The field of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) has progressed beyond the design and exploration of powdery and single-crystalline materials. A current challenge is the fabrication of organized superstructures that can harness the directional properties of the individual constituent MOF crystals. To date, the progress in the fabrication methods of polycrystalline MOF superstructures has led to close-packed structures with defined crystalline orientation. By controlling the crystalline orientation, the MOF pore channels of the constituent crystals can be aligned along specific directions: these systems possess anisotropic properties including enhanced diffusion along specific directions, preferential orientation of guest species, and protection of functional guests. In this perspective, we discuss the current status of MOF research in the fabrication of oriented polycrystalline superstructures focusing on the specific crystalline directions of orientation. Three methods are examined in detail: the assembly from colloidal MOF solutions, the use of external fields for the alignment of MOF particles, and the heteroepitaxial ceramic-to-MOF growth. This perspective aims at promoting the progress of this field of research and inspiring the development of new protocols for the preparation of MOF systems with oriented pore channels, to enable advanced MOF-based devices with anisotropic properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mercedes Linares-Moreau
- Institute of Physical and Theoretical Chemistry, Graz University of Technology, Graz, 8010, Austria
| | - Lea A Brandner
- Institute of Physical and Theoretical Chemistry, Graz University of Technology, Graz, 8010, Austria
| | | | - Javier Fonseca
- Catalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (ICN2), CSIC and The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Campus UAB, Bellaterra, Barcelona, 08193, Spain
| | - Youven Benseghir
- Faculty of Chemistry, Institute of Functional Materials and Catalysis, University of Vienna, Währingerstr. 42, Vienna, A-1090, Austria
| | - Jia Min Chin
- Faculty of Chemistry, Institute of Functional Materials and Catalysis, University of Vienna, Währingerstr. 42, Vienna, A-1090, Austria
| | - Daniel Maspoch
- Catalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (ICN2), CSIC and The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Campus UAB, Bellaterra, Barcelona, 08193, Spain
- Departament de Química, Facultat de Ciències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, 08193, Spain
- ICREA, Pg. Lluís Companys 23, Barcelona, 08010, Spain
| | - Christian Doonan
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, 5005, Australia
| | - Paolo Falcaro
- Institute of Physical and Theoretical Chemistry, Graz University of Technology, Graz, 8010, Austria
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17
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Chen X, Zhao Y, Zhang Y, Li B, Li Y, Jiang L. Optical Manipulation of Soft Matter. SMALL METHODS 2023:e2301105. [PMID: 37818749 DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202301105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
Optical manipulation has emerged as a pivotal tool in soft matter research, offering superior applicability, spatiotemporal precision, and manipulation capabilities compared to conventional methods. Here, an overview of the optical mechanisms governing the interaction between light and soft matter materials during manipulation is provided. The distinct characteristics exhibited by various soft matter materials, including liquid crystals, polymers, colloids, amphiphiles, thin liquid films, and biological soft materials are highlighted, and elucidate their fundamental response characteristics to optical manipulation techniques. This knowledge serves as a foundation for designing effective strategies for soft matter manipulation. Moreover, the diverse range of applications and future prospects that arise from the synergistic collaboration between optical manipulation and soft matter materials in emerging fields are explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xixi Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Nanophotonic Manipulation, Institute of Nanophotonics, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 511443, China
| | - Yanan Zhao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Nanophotonic Manipulation, Institute of Nanophotonics, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 511443, China
| | - Yao Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Nanophotonic Manipulation, Institute of Nanophotonics, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 511443, China
| | - Baojun Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Nanophotonic Manipulation, Institute of Nanophotonics, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 511443, China
| | - Yuchao Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Nanophotonic Manipulation, Institute of Nanophotonics, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 511443, China
| | - Lingxiang Jiang
- South China Advanced Institute for Soft Matter Science and Technology, School of Emergent Soft Matter, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510640, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Functional and Intelligent Hybrid Materials and Devices, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510640, China
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18
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Zhou Y, Ye X, Liu S, Chen S, Tang D, Fan F. Simultaneous chiral polarization and edge enhancement imaging enabled by a single geometric-phase-based element. OPTICS LETTERS 2023; 48:5085-5088. [PMID: 37773391 DOI: 10.1364/ol.500133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
In this Letter, we propose a multifunctional imaging system enabled by a single geometric-phase-based liquid crystal (LC) element, which integrates chiral polarization and edge enhancement imaging. The element is located at the frequency domain plane in a 4F imaging system, and the phase profile of the element consists of a fork grating in the x direction and a grating in the y direction, which provide edge enhancement and chiral polarization imaging capabilities. Benefiting from the tunable property of the LC, the system can be switched from a polarization and edge imaging mode to the normal conventional imaging mode which is capable of conveniently acquiring the needed image information. Experiments demonstrate that the system can easily achieve multifunctional and switchable imaging, which agrees well with our design, and our LC element can work in the broadband spectrum because of the geometric phase modulation. The multifunctional strategy used here can effectively avoid the need to increase the size of the original microscopic system and the need for additional mechanical rotation of components. We believe that the proposed system with the additional advantages of electric control and tunability can find applications in biological imaging, medical detection, and optical computing.
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19
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Xu A, Nourshargh C, Salter PS, He C, Elston SJ, Booth MJ, Morris SM. Laser-Written Tunable Liquid Crystal Aberration Correctors. ACS PHOTONICS 2023; 10:3401-3408. [PMID: 37743939 PMCID: PMC10515613 DOI: 10.1021/acsphotonics.3c00907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
In this Article, we present a series of novel laser-written liquid crystal (LC) devices for aberration control for applications in beam shaping or aberration correction through adaptive optics. Each transparent LC device can correct for a chosen aberration mode with continuous greyscale tuning up to a total magnitude of more than 2π radians phase difference peak to peak at a wavelength of λ = 660 nm. For the purpose of demonstration, we present five different devices for the correction of five independent Zernike polynomial modes (although the technique could readily be used to manufacture devices based on other modes). Each device is operated by a single electrode pair tuned between 0 and 10 V. These devices have potential as a low-cost alternative to spatial light modulators for applications where a low-order aberration correction is sufficient and transmissive geometries are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alec Xu
- Department of Engineering
Science, University of Oxford, Parks Road, Oxford, OX3 1PJ, United Kingdom
| | - Camron Nourshargh
- Department of Engineering
Science, University of Oxford, Parks Road, Oxford, OX3 1PJ, United Kingdom
| | - Patrick S. Salter
- Department of Engineering
Science, University of Oxford, Parks Road, Oxford, OX3 1PJ, United Kingdom
| | - Chao He
- Department of Engineering
Science, University of Oxford, Parks Road, Oxford, OX3 1PJ, United Kingdom
| | - Steve J. Elston
- Department of Engineering
Science, University of Oxford, Parks Road, Oxford, OX3 1PJ, United Kingdom
| | - Martin J. Booth
- Department of Engineering
Science, University of Oxford, Parks Road, Oxford, OX3 1PJ, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen M. Morris
- Department of Engineering
Science, University of Oxford, Parks Road, Oxford, OX3 1PJ, United Kingdom
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20
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Woods JF, Gallego L, Maisch A, Renggli D, Cuocci C, Blacque O, Steinfeld G, Kaech A, Spingler B, Vargas Jentzsch A, Rickhaus M. Saddles as rotational locks within shape-assisted self-assembled nanosheets. Nat Commun 2023; 14:4725. [PMID: 37550281 PMCID: PMC10406840 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40475-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Two-dimensional (2D) materials are a key target for many applications in the modern day. Self-assembly is one approach that can bring us closer to this goal, which usually relies upon strong, directional interactions instead of covalent bonds. Control over less directional forces is more challenging and usually does not result in as well-defined materials. Explicitly incorporating topography into the design as a guiding effect to enhance the interacting forces can help to form highly ordered structures. Herein, we show the process of shape-assisted self-assembly to be consistent across a range of derivatives that highlights the restriction of rotational motion and is verified using a diverse combination of solid state analyses. A molecular curvature governed angle distribution nurtures monomers into loose columns that then arrange to form 2D structures with long-range order observed in both crystalline and soft materials. These features strengthen the idea that shape becomes an important design principle leading towards precise molecular self-assembly and the inception of new materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph F Woods
- Department of Chemistry, University of Zurich, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Lucía Gallego
- Department of Chemistry, University of Zurich, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Amira Maisch
- Department of Chemistry, University of Zurich, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Dominik Renggli
- Department of Chemistry, University of Zurich, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Corrado Cuocci
- Institute of Crystallography, CNR, Via Amendola, 122/O, 70126, Bari, Italy
| | - Olivier Blacque
- Department of Chemistry, University of Zurich, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Andres Kaech
- Center for Microscopy and Image Analysis, University of Zurich, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Bernhard Spingler
- Department of Chemistry, University of Zurich, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Vargas Jentzsch
- SAMS Research Group, University of Strasbourg, Institut Charles Sadron, CNRS, 67200, Strasbourg, France
| | - Michel Rickhaus
- Department of Chemistry, University of Zurich, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland.
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21
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Feng W, Pal A, Wang T, Ren Z, Yan Y, Lu Y, Yang H, Sitti M. Cholesteric Liquid Crystal Polymeric Coatings for Colorful Artificial Muscles and Motile Humidity Sensor Skin Integrated with Magnetic Composites. ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS 2023; 33:adfm.202300731. [PMID: 37293509 PMCID: PMC7614630 DOI: 10.1002/adfm.202300731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Structural colorful cholesterics show impressive susceptibility to external stimulation, leading to applications in electro/mechano-chromic devices. However, out-of-plane actuation of structural colorful actuators based on cholesterics and the integration with other stimulation remains underdeveloped. Herein, colorful actuators and motile humidity sensors are developed using humidity-responsive cholesteric liquid crystal networks (CLCNs) and magnetic composites. The developed colorful actuator can exhibit synergistic out-of-plane shape morphing and color change in response to humidity, with CLCNs as colorful artificial muscles. Through the integration with magnetic control, the motile sensor can be navigated to open and confined spaces with the aid of friction to detect local relative humidity. The integration of multi-stimulation actuation of cholesteric magnetic actuators will expand the research frontier of structural colorful actuators and motile sensors for confined spaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Feng
- Physical Intelligence Department, Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Aniket Pal
- Physical Intelligence Department, Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Tianlu Wang
- Physical Intelligence Department, Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany; Institute for Biomedical Engineering, ETH Zürich, 8092 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Ziyu Ren
- Physical Intelligence Department, Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Yingbo Yan
- Physical Intelligence Department, Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany; Laboratory for Multiscale Mechanics and Medical Science, SV LAB, School of Aerospace, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Yanqing Lu
- National Laboratory of Solid-state Microstructures, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Huai Yang
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Materials Genome Engineering & School of Materials Science and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Metin Sitti
- Physical Intelligence Department, Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany; Institute for Biomedical Engineering, ETH Zürich, 8092 Zürich, Switzerland; School of Medicine and College of Engineering, Koç University, Istanbul 34450, Turkey
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22
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Yang X, Tang SJ, Meng JW, Zhang PJ, Chen YL, Xiao YF. Phase-Transition Microcavity Laser. NANO LETTERS 2023; 23:3048-3053. [PMID: 36946699 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.3c00510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Liquid-crystal microcavity lasers have attracted considerable attention because of their extraordinary tunability and sensitive response to external stimuli, and because they operate generally within a specific phase. Here, we demonstrate a liquid-crystal microcavity laser operated in the phase transition in which the reorientation of liquid-crystal molecules occurs from aligned to disordered states. A significant wavelength shift of the microlaser is observed, resulting from the dramatic changes in the refractive index of liquid-crystal microdroplets during the phase transition. This phase-transition microcavity laser is then exploited for sensitive thermal sensing, enabling a two-order-of-magnitude enhancement in sensitivity compared with the nematic-phase microlaser operated far from the transition point. Experimentally, we demonstrate an exceptional sensitivity of -40 nm/K and an ultrahigh resolution of 320 μK. The phase-transition microcavity laser features compactness, softness, and tunability, showing great potential for high-performance sensors, optical modulators, and soft matter photonics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Yang
- Frontiers Science Center for Nano-Optoelectronics and State Key Laboratory for Mesoscopic Physics, School of Physics, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Shui-Jing Tang
- Frontiers Science Center for Nano-Optoelectronics and State Key Laboratory for Mesoscopic Physics, School of Physics, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Jia-Wei Meng
- Frontiers Science Center for Nano-Optoelectronics and State Key Laboratory for Mesoscopic Physics, School of Physics, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Pei-Ji Zhang
- Frontiers Science Center for Nano-Optoelectronics and State Key Laboratory for Mesoscopic Physics, School of Physics, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - You-Ling Chen
- State Key Laboratory on Integrated Optoelectronics, Institute of Semiconductors, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Yun-Feng Xiao
- Frontiers Science Center for Nano-Optoelectronics and State Key Laboratory for Mesoscopic Physics, School of Physics, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Extreme Optics, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China
- Peking University Yangtze Delta Institute of Optoelectronics, Nantong 226010, China
- National Biomedical Imaging Center, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
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23
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Jin X, Hao Y, Su Z, Li M, Zhou G, Hu X. Dual-Function Smart Windows Using Polymer Stabilized Cholesteric Liquid Crystal Driven with Interdigitated Electrodes. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:polym15071734. [PMID: 37050348 PMCID: PMC10096771 DOI: 10.3390/polym15071734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, we present an electrically switchable window that can dynamically transmit both visible light and infrared (IR) light. The window is based on polymer stabilized cholesteric liquid crystals (PSCLCs), which are placed between a top plate electrode substrate and a bottom interdigitated electrode substrate. By applying a vertical alternating current electric field between the top and bottom substrates, the transmittance of the entire visible light can be adjusted. The cholesteric liquid crystals (CLC) texture will switch to a scattering focal conic state. The corresponding transmittance decreases from 90% to less than 15% in the whole visible region. The reflection bandwidth in the IR region can be tuned by applying an in-plane interdigital direct current (DC) electric field. The non-uniform distribution of the in-plane electric field will lead to helix pitch distortion of the CLC, resulting in a broadband reflection. The IR reflection bandwidth can be dynamically adjusted from 158 to 478 nm. The electric field strength can be varied to regulate both the transmittance in the visible range and the IR reflection bandwidth. After removing the electric field, both features can be restored to their initial states. This appealing feature of the window enables on-demand indoor light and heat management, making it a promising addition to the current smart windows available. This technology has considerable potential for practical applications in green buildings and automobiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Jin
- College of Physics and Electronic Information, Yunnan Normal University, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Yuning Hao
- College of Physics and Electronic Information, Yunnan Normal University, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Zhuo Su
- SCNU-TUE Joint Research Lab of Device Integrated Responsive Materials (DIRM), National Center for International Research on Green Optoelectronics, South China Normal University, No. 378, West Waihuan Road, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Ming Li
- Solar Energy Research Institute, Yunnan Normal University, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Guofu Zhou
- SCNU-TUE Joint Research Lab of Device Integrated Responsive Materials (DIRM), National Center for International Research on Green Optoelectronics, South China Normal University, No. 378, West Waihuan Road, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Xiaowen Hu
- SCNU-TUE Joint Research Lab of Device Integrated Responsive Materials (DIRM), National Center for International Research on Green Optoelectronics, South China Normal University, No. 378, West Waihuan Road, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, Guangzhou 510006, China
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24
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Han XC, Wang Q, Chen ZD, Zhou H, Cai Q, Han DD. Laser-reduced graphene oxide for a flexible liquid sliding sensing surface. OPTICS LETTERS 2023; 48:839-842. [PMID: 36723602 DOI: 10.1364/ol.482397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Flexible electronic skin is a flexible sensor system that imitates human skin. Recently, flexible sensors have been successfully developed. However, the droplet sliding sensing technology on a flexible electronic skin surface is still challenging. In this Letter, a flexible droplet sliding sensing surface is proposed and fabricated by laser-reduced graphene oxide (LRGO). The LRGO shows porous structures and low surface energy, which are beneficial for infusing lubricants and fabricating stable slippery surfaces. The slippery surface guarantees free sliding of droplets. The droplet sliding sensing mechanism is a combination of triboelectricity and electrostatic induction. After a NaCl droplet slides from lubricant-infused LRGO, a potential difference (∼0.2 mV) can be measured between two Ag electrodes. This study reveals considerable potential applications in intelligent robots and the medical field.
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25
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Parzyszek S, Tessarolo J, Pedrazo-Tardajos A, Ortuño AM, Bagiński M, Bals S, Clever GH, Lewandowski W. Tunable Circularly Polarized Luminescence via Chirality Induction and Energy Transfer from Organic Films to Semiconductor Nanocrystals. ACS NANO 2022; 16:18472-18482. [PMID: 36342742 PMCID: PMC9706675 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c06623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Circularly polarized luminescent (CPL) films with high dissymmetry factors hold great potential for optoelectronic applications. Herein, we propose a strategy for achieving strongly dissymetric CPL in nanocomposite films based on chirality induction and energy transfer to semiconductor nanocrystals. First, focusing on a purely organic system, aggregation-induced emission (AIE) and CPL activity of organic liquid crystals (LCs) forming helical nanofilaments was detected, featuring green emission with high dissymmetry factors glum ∼ 10-2. The handedness of helical filaments, and thus the sign of CPL, was controlled via minute amounts of a small chiral organic dopant. Second, nanocomposite films were fabricated by incorporating InP/ZnS semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) into the LC matrix, which induced the chiral assembly of QDs and endowed them with chiroptical properties. Due to the spectral matching of the components, energy transfer (ET) from LC to QDs was possible enabling a convenient way of tuning CPL wavelengths by varying the LC/QD ratio. As obtained, composite films exhibited absolute glum values up to ∼10-2 and thermally on/off switchable luminescence. Overall, we demonstrate the induction of chiroptical properties by the assembly of nonchiral building QDs on the chiral organic template and energy transfer from organic films to QDs, representing a simple and versatile approach to tune the CPL activity of organic materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylwia Parzyszek
- Faculty
of Chemistry, University of Warsaw, 1 Pasteur Street, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jacopo Tessarolo
- Faculty
of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, TU Dortmund
University, Otto-Hahn Straße 6, 44227 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Adrián Pedrazo-Tardajos
- Electron
Microscopy for Materials Research, University
of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan, 171, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium
- NANOlab
Center of Excellence, University of Antwerp, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Ana M. Ortuño
- Faculty
of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, TU Dortmund
University, Otto-Hahn Straße 6, 44227 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Maciej Bagiński
- Faculty
of Chemistry, University of Warsaw, 1 Pasteur Street, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Sara Bals
- Electron
Microscopy for Materials Research, University
of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan, 171, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium
- NANOlab
Center of Excellence, University of Antwerp, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Guido H. Clever
- Faculty
of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, TU Dortmund
University, Otto-Hahn Straße 6, 44227 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Wiktor Lewandowski
- Faculty
of Chemistry, University of Warsaw, 1 Pasteur Street, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| |
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