Effect of Noncovalent Interaction of a Polymer-Dispersed Liquid Crystal for Interferometric Applications over a Range of Low Frequencies

Polymer-dispersed liquid crystal devices modulate the amplitude and optical phase of light in response to an electrical stimulation. Due to the mismatch of the refractive indices of the E7 liquid crystal mixture and the UV curable epoxy resin, the composite film scatters light. The mixture film turns transparent when the refractive indices of the UV curable agent and the liquid crystal become almost the same. Polymer-dispersed liquid crystals have attracted notable attention because of their potential in a broad range of applications like displays, smart windows and shutters, and holography. We have reported a distinctive characteristic of a polymer-dispersed liquid crystal prepared over a range of low frequencies such as 4.6-4.75 Hz. The cell response exhibits a unique optical feature. We have interpreted these results in terms of molecular interactions between liquid crystal components and UV curable glue. In addition, the polymer-dispersed liquid crystal was justified in terms of a model equivalent electrical circuit. The device has many promising applications, such as phase shifting and heterodyne interferometers, optical switches, nematic main-chain elastomer systems, multistable smart windows, and electro-optical modulators.