| Abstract: | The electro-optic properties of liquid crystal devices are modified by the presence of a polymer network formed by the exposure to UV light of reactive mesogen molecules dissolved within the liquid crystal host. The effect of the polymer network depends on its density, and knowledge of this through the liquid crystal layer is necessary to understand qualitatively, and to model quantitatively, the electro-optic properties of liquid crystal devices containing polymer networks. Various techniques have been used to study the distribution of the polymer network and these show an increased concentration of the network near the surface closest to the UV light. Evidence is presented that the polymer network distribution becomes more uniform when non-UV absorbing liquid crystals are used. |
