Low driving voltage reverse-mode polymer-stabilised cholesteric liquid crystal devices using small phenylacetylene molecule

Polymer-stabilised liquid crystal devices have found widespread use in intelligent displays and dimming glass applications, but their high driving voltage induces high power consumption and needs to be reduced. In this paper, we use several small phenylacetylene molecule materials with linear structures to reduce the driving voltage and obtain a high contrast ratio in reverse-mode polymer-stabilised cholesteric liquid crystals (RPSCLC). In particular, the drive voltage of the 8-micron-thick sample was reduced by nearly 40%, and the 20-micron-thick sample was reduced by nearly 45%. Additionally, we explore the physical mechanism through which various small phenylacetylene molecule materials improve the electro-optical properties, based on polymer network morphology effects. The results will be of great value for enhancing the use of RPSCLC devices.{GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT}