Paper
12 September 2007 Super-structured smectics and their application
Author Affiliations +
Abstract
Super-structures produced in the smectic molecular organization are reviewed, and the origin for the structures discussed, in which it is emphasized that the frustration plays an important role in the emergence of the super-structures. Properties and structures of mysterious smectic phases possessing chirality-induced super-structures are introduced, including smectic blue and smectic Q (SmQ) phases that possess three dimensional (3D) structures. The molecular design on stabilizing the 3D structure is proposed. The molecular orientations in the 3D structures are not so sensitive to the external electric field due to an intricate smectic ordering, thus it has been difficult to imagine practical applications of these structures. The SmQ compound possessing an azobenzene core in the molecular structure is designed and the liquid-crystalline properties and photoresponse investigated. By means of the photoisomerization of the azobenzene moiety, we demonstrate that the 3D structure of the SmQ phase can be controlled by light as an external stimulus, suggesting a possibility for new applications utilizing the liquid-crystalline 3D structure.
© (2007) COPYRIGHT Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE). Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
I. Nishiyama, T. Yamamoto, J. Yamamoto, and H. Yokoyama "Super-structured smectics and their application", Proc. SPIE 6654, Liquid Crystals XI, 66540E (12 September 2007); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.734893
Advertisement
Advertisement
RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS
Get copyright permission  Get copyright permission on Copyright Marketplace
KEYWORDS
Shape memory alloys

Liquid crystals

Ultraviolet radiation

X-ray diffraction

Crystals

Liquids

Phase shift keying

Back to Top