Simulation-based Engineering of Micro/Nanoscale Liquid Crystal Devices

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Liquid crystals (LCs) are a fascinating class of materials which paradoxically flow like liquids while also possessing crystal-like qualities (e.g., graphite). Surprisingly, LCs are pervasive in your daily life...you are most likely reading this text on a liquid crystal-based display, an LCD! The refinement of LCDs over the last few decades has substantially improved our daily lives; without LC-based technology, we would not have most portable electronics such as laptops and cellphones. Current LCD technology is only one possible application of LCs, relying on the most simple class of them known as "nematics." There are many, more complex, types of LCs which have not yet been used technologically and are included in this research program. This research program aims to address this lack of new LC-based technology through a powerful, yet economical approach: modelling and simulation. We use a synergy of highly descriptive mathematical models and high-performance supercomputers to perform simulations of LCs that simultaneously capture both device-scales and nanoscale (one billionth of a metre) features inherent to LCs. This approach is advantageous and complementary to experimental studies, which have difficulty capturing the fast dynamics of LCs (one thousandth to one millionth of a second!). We focus on two innovative applications of LCs: (1) new LC materials for low-cost optical films and (2) novel electric-field induced LC flows for micro/nano-pumps and actuators. The first application will pave the way for large plastic sheets and coatings with small domains of LC dispersed throughout. These composite materials have a broad range of uses from aesthetics to energy saving window coatings. The second application will enable the development of tiny LC-devices that precisely apply force coupled to an electric field for micro/nano-mechanics technology. In summary, this research program will develop innovative technology using novel LC materials. This will provide Canada with a new area of growth and innovation.