Photochemical switching between a compensated nematic phase and a twisted nematic phase by photoisomerization of chiral azobenzene molecules

Seiji Kurihara; Syugo Nomiyama; Takamasa Nonaka

doi:10.1117/12.405307

24 October 2000 Photochemical switching between a compensated nematic phase and a twisted nematic phase by photoisomerization of chiral azobenzene molecules

Seiji Kurihara, Syugo Nomiyama, Takamasa Nonaka

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 4107, Liquid Crystals IV; (2000) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.405307
Event: International Symposium on Optical Science and Technology, 2000, San Diego, CA, United States

Abstract

Three azobenzene compounds with chiral moieties were prepared. A cholesteric phase was induced by mixing each chiral azobenzene in a host nematic liquid crystal. The twisting power of the chiral azobenzene compounds was decreased by ultraviolet irradiation to cause trans - cis photoisomerization of the azobenzene compounds. In addition, a compensated nematic phase was induced by mixing of a chiral azobenzene and a non-photochromic chiral compound having opposite chiral ability to the chiral azobenzene in the host nematic liquid crystal when the twisting powers of both chiral compounds were balanced. The photoisomerization of the chiral azobenzene broke the balanced state in the twisting power, resulting in the transformation of the compensated nematic phase into a cholesteric phase. Effect of the trans-cis photoisomerization on the phase structure of liquid crystals containing the chiral compounds will be discussed.

Citation Download Citation

Seiji Kurihara, Syugo Nomiyama, and Takamasa Nonaka "Photochemical switching between a compensated nematic phase and a twisted nematic phase by photoisomerization of chiral azobenzene molecules", Proc. SPIE 4107, Liquid Crystals IV, (24 October 2000); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.405307

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