The performance of hybrid organic–active-inorganic GDLC electrooptical devices

Abstract

Gel–glass dispersed liquid crystal thin-film electrooptical devices were prepared via a sol–gel procedure. This method offers important advantages for the preparation of this kind of materials and the tuning of their properties. The performance of GDLC electrooptical devices can be controlled by the composition of the host matrix where the LC droplets are formed. The usage of modified alkoxides allows functionalizing the inner pore surface of the matrix, which has a strong influence on the size of the microdroplets and the properties of the embedded LC molecules. Important performance parameters, such as the voltage required for operation or the switching kinetics were strongly affected by changes in the microdroplet–matrix organic–inorganic interface.