Advanced Liquid Crystalline Optical Materials

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Kent State University, together with Case Western Reserve University and the University of Akron, will establish a Science and Technology Research Center for Advanced Liquid Crystalline Optical Materials under the leadership of J. William Doane. The Center will provide a new comprehensive, vertically integrated approach to research in liquid crystalline optical materials, beginning with strong emphasis on synthesis, processing, and characterization, investigation of physical properties, through construction of prototype devices using the unique properties of these materials. The major goal of the research is to improve understanding of these materials on both molecular and macroscopic levels to allow prediction and optimization of their optical behavior. There are five research areas including: ADVANCED MATERIALS FORMULATION AND SYNTHESIS (Novel materials with designed specific optical performance, low molecular weight liquid crystals, liquid crystal polymers, and polymer dispersions of liquid crystals will be synthesized and studied) PHYSICAL PROPERTIES (Pure liquid crystalline compounds mixed with other liquid crystals or polymers will be investigated for unusual electro-optic and non-linear optical applications.) INTERFACES AND FINITE SIZE EFFECTS (Effects on the behavior of liquid crystalline materials will be investigated using scanning tunneling microscopy and light scattering. Langmuir-Blodgett techniques will be used to form polar ultra-thin films for non-linear optical and microelectronic applications.) THEORY AND COMPUTATION (Prediction of elastic, optical, hydrodynamic, and phase behavior of liquid crystals based on their molecular structure and composition and boundary conditions.) ELECTRO-OPTICS AND NONLINEAR OPTICS (Prototypes of optical devices such as spatial light modulators and switchable waveguides will be developed.) A resource facility will be established to provide larger quantities of advanced liquid crystalline materials, to characterize materials, and to evaluate their performance for specific applications. The Center will stimulate enhance activity in precollege education and in the development of human resources.