蓝相液晶材料与光子学器件研究进展

蓝相液晶是一种三维手性自组装软超结构材料,具有光学各向同性,选择性反射波长,快速响应等优秀特性,无论在显示还是光子器件的应用上都具有良好的发展前景,吸引了研究人员的大量关注。近十年关于蓝相液晶显示领域的研究与工程或应用发展迅猛,于此同时催生了其在光子学这个后显示领域的研究。面对来自国际上其他先进国家的竞争与压力,中国大陆的学者们奋勇迎接,经过短短数年的发展获得了一批有显示度的成果,在国内外的优秀期刊上报道了一系列富含学术性和实用性的工作。具备高热稳定性与显著电光调制特性的新型蓝相液晶材料及其光子学器件,如衍射光栅、相位调制器、透镜、激光以及光衰减器等,相继被开发出。本文追逐这些前辈留下的脚印,从材料制备、性能到光子器件设计、应用进行了概括性的回顾,旨在通过此综述激发出蓝相液晶在非显示光子学应用领域更多的研究灵感;若能起到进一步促进该领域发展的作用,笔者将感到幸甚之至!

Progresses on the researches of blue phase liquid crystal materials and photonic devices

Blue phase liquid crystal, exhibiting optical isotropic, selective reflection and fast response, has attracted a cumulative attention due to its elegant three-dimensional self-organized helical superstructure. Such fantastic properties enable the applications on not merely displays, but the diverse advanced photonic devices. In the recent years, tremendous endeavors were contributed on photonic applications of blue phase liquid crystal in China mainland, ranging from the materials, with excellent thermal stability and significant electro-optical performances, to the devices, such as diffraction phase grating, phase modulator, lens, variable optical attenuator and mirror-less laser, which boost the developments and booms of the relevant researches and industries. Herein, we summarize some representative works, including the preparation and characterization of materials and the design and developments of novel photonic devices, for further inspiring more valuable ideas on blue phase applications beyond display. We will be pleasure if this review can promote the developments of the relevant fields.