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Molecular reorientation of a nematic liquid crystal by thermal expansion

Author

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  • Young-Ki Kim

    (Liquid Crystal Institute and Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program, Kent State University)

  • Bohdan Senyuk

    (Liquid Crystal Institute and Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program, Kent State University
    Present address: Department of Physics, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado 80309, USA.)

  • Oleg D. Lavrentovich

    (Liquid Crystal Institute and Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program, Kent State University)

Abstract

A unique feature of nematic liquid crystals is orientational order of molecules that can be controlled by electromagnetic fields, surface modifications and pressure gradients. Here we demonstrate a new effect in which the orientation of nematic liquid crystal molecules is altered by thermal expansion. Thermal expansion (or contraction) causes the nematic liquid crystal to flow; the flow imposes a realigning torque on the nematic liquid crystal molecules and the optic axis. The optical and mechanical responses activated by a simple temperature change can be used in sensing, photonics, microfluidic, optofluidic and lab-on-a-chip applications as they do not require externally imposed gradients of temperature, pressure, surface realignment, nor electromagnetic fields. The effect has important ramifications for the current search of the biaxial nematic phase as the optical features of thermally induced structural changes in the uniaxial nematic liquid crystal mimic the features expected of the biaxial nematic liquid crystal.

Suggested Citation

  • Young-Ki Kim & Bohdan Senyuk & Oleg D. Lavrentovich, 2012. "Molecular reorientation of a nematic liquid crystal by thermal expansion," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 3(1), pages 1-7, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:3:y:2012:i:1:d:10.1038_ncomms2073
    DOI: 10.1038/ncomms2073
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