Integrated, photoactive-liquid crystal modulators characterised by optical, multi-parameter analysis

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This project focuses on the fabrication and the experimental characterisation of self-regulating photovoltaic-liquid crystal modulators. The goal is to develop the modulators that can operate with reduced or without an external voltage. The critical element in such development will be to adapt the current version of the liquid crystal analyser, suitable for standard, liquid crystal cells, to provide a comprehensive characterisation of the modulators that consist of multi-layer polymer and liquid crystal films, and their core parameters.The other aim of this project is also to understand the basic science of photovoltaic liquid crystal cells, the role of its structure with integrated, photosensitive layers and the dependence of their absorption and transmission on the intensity and wavelength of the incident light. The research tasks will include the investigation of the effect of charge generation and migration on the long-term stability of the modulators, determining the optimal liquid crystal parameters and electrode geometries to exploit and maximise the benefits of the relatively small voltage produced by the photovoltaic layer.