Ink‐Jet Printed Nanoparticle Alignment Layers: Easy Design and Fabrication of Patterned Alignment Layers for Nematic Liquid Crystals |
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Authors: | Mitya Reznikov Anshul Sharma Torsten Hegmann |
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Institution: | Liquid Crystal Institute – Chemical Physics, Interdisciplinary Program and Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Kent State University, , Kent, OH, 44242–0001 USA |
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Abstract: | Ink‐jet printing of monolayer‐capped gold nanoparticles is introduced as a versatile and highly efficient means to pattern the alignment of nematic liquid crystals. Any homeotropic alignment patterns can be created quickly ranging in size from 30 μm (850 dpi) to several square inches, with high accuracy that does not deteriorate with time. Depending on the alignment underlayer, intermediate configurations between homeotropic and homogeneous are also feasible. Nematic liquid crystals with both positive and negative dielectric anisotropy can be switched by applying a DC or AC electric field in the printed vertical domains with the substrate configuration determining the electro‐optic response. |
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Keywords: | liquid crystals alignment patterning nanoparticles ink‐jet printing |
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