Issue 82, 2023

Photonic features of blue phase liquid crystals under curved confinement

Abstract

Blue phase (BP) liquid crystals represent a fascinating state of soft matter that showcases unique optical and electro-optical properties. Existing between chiral nematic and isotropic phases, BPs are characterized by a three-dimensional cubic lattice structure resulting in selective Bragg reflections of light and consequent vivid structural colors. However, the practical realization of these material systems is hampered by their narrow thermal stability and multi-domain crystalline nature. This feature article provides an overview of the efforts devoted to stabilizing these phases and creating monodomain structures. In particular, it delves into the complex relationship between geometrical confinement, induced curvature, and the structural stability and photonic features of BPs. Understanding the interaction of curved confinement and structural stability of BPs proves crucially important for the integration of these materials into flexible and miniaturized devices. By shedding light on these critical aspects, this feature review aims to highlight the significance of understanding the coupling effects of physical and mechanical forces on the structural stability of these systems, which can pave the way for the development of efficient and practical devices based on BP liquid crystals.

Graphical abstract: Photonic features of blue phase liquid crystals under curved confinement

Article information

Article type
Feature Article
Submitted
07 Jul 2023
Accepted
13 Sep 2023
First published
15 Sep 2023

Chem. Commun., 2023,59, 12231-12247

Author version available

Photonic features of blue phase liquid crystals under curved confinement

J. Money, J. G. Munguia-Fernández, S. Norouzi, M. Esmaeili, J. A. Martínez-González and M. Sadati, Chem. Commun., 2023, 59, 12231 DOI: 10.1039/D3CC03284A

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