| We have made
a theoretical study of the light scattering properties of Polymer
Dispersed Liquid Crystal (PDLC) films. These devices have a number
of applications including direct view and projection display technology,
switchable windows, electro-optic shutter devices, large-scale
flexible displays, and high resolution active matrix addressing
systems.
A PDLC film consists of a random ensemble of micrometre-sized
liquid crystal droplets dispersed in an isotropic polymer matrix.
In the absence of any external electric field, the film has a
milky white translucent appearance. However, when a field is applied,
the film becomes clear. In contrast to polarization devices, there
is little loss of light in the transparent state, making them
highly desirable. The contrast between the off and on states relies
on an optical mismatch between the liquid crystal droplets and
the polymer matrix, which disappears when the field is applied.
This work is in collaboration with the Mathematics department
and the Institute of Surface Chemistry, Kiev.
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