In-situ isothermal phase transitions in photochromic liquid crystals

Samantha J. Watson; Helen F. Gleeson; Antony D'Emanuele; Svetlana V. Serak; Vladimir A. Grozhik

doi:10.1117/12.311532

9 June 1998 In-situ isothermal phase transitions in photochromic liquid crystals

Samantha J. Watson, Helen F. Gleeson, Antony D'Emanuele, Svetlana V. Serak, Vladimir A. Grozhik

Proceedings Volume 3282, Photosensitive Optical Materials and Devices II; (1998) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.311532
Event: Optoelectronics and High-Power Lasers and Applications, 1998, San Jose, CA, United States

Abstract

This study examines the optical response and physical properties of the homologous series 4-n-butyl-4'-n-alkoxyazobenzene. The members of this series all exhibit liquid crystalline phase behavior, and have also been used as dopants in 4-cyano-4'- n'pentylbiphenyl (5CB), a room temperature nematic liquid crystal. The guest-host system and the azobenzene series have been characterized using optical microscopy and UV-vis spectrophotometry. Illumination of these systems with light of a suitable wavelength induces a trans-cis isomerization of the azo- dye molecules which results in a reorientation of the liquid crystal director, often to such an extent that the liquid crystal phase is disrupted, causing an in situ isothermal phase transition. The response of the liquid crystal system to a linearly polarized beam of exciting radiation is examined with the use of a probe He:Ne laser. Changes in light transmission are then detected with a photodiode. Responses are discussed in terms of homologue, cell thickness and temperature.

Citation Download Citation

Samantha J. Watson, Helen F. Gleeson, Antony D'Emanuele, Svetlana V. Serak, and Vladimir A. Grozhik "In-situ isothermal phase transitions in photochromic liquid crystals", Proc. SPIE 3282, Photosensitive Optical Materials and Devices II, (9 June 1998); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.311532

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