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EPSRC Reference: GR/M99903/01
Title: NEW FLEXOELECTRIC HYPERTWISTED NEMATIC LIQUID CRYSTAL BIMESOGENS:SYNTHESIS PROPERTIES AND APPLICATIONS
Principal Investigator: Coles, Professor HJ
Other Investigators:
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
University of Southampton
Department: Sch of Physics and Astronomy
Organisation: University of Southampton
Scheme: Standard Research (Pre-FEC)
Starts: 01 May 2000 Ends: 31 July 2002 Value (£): 187,423
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
Materials Characterisation Materials Synthesis & Growth
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
Chemicals Electronics
Related Grants:
Panel History:  
Summary on Grant Application Form
We have recently discovered a new class of highly twisted nematogenic bimesogens that through thei asymmetric structure give rise to large flexoelectric coefficients. Electro-optic devices using th materials give field independent ambient switching times -200 microseconds or less at low fields (-1V/micrometer). The bipolar switching angles are up to 45 degrees and are independent of tempera The aim is to synthesise new asymmetric/chiral dimesogens, to understand structure-property correlations with the objective of producing optimised materials for potential optoelectronic applications. We will establish the key materials parameters, i.e. elastic constants, viscosity coefficients, helix pitch, dielectric anisotropy and birefringence, that, when related to the mole shape asymmetry, lead to the unusually high flexoelectric response. We will examine recent theorie attempt to gain a better understanding of the physics of these supramolecular assemblies. We will the surface alignment and volume stabilisation properties of these materials with a view to produc large (or small) area electro-optic devices suitable for glass or polymeric substrates. Our target be field and temperature independent devices with switching times of the order of a few microsecon room temperature-for low applied fields (-1-2V/micrometer). Our main industrial collaborator in th work will be Merck (UK) Ltd.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Keywords describing areas of proposal.Chemistry, Communications, Condensed Matter, Devices, Electronics, Information Technology, Materia Molecular, Optics, Physics, Synthesis
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Organisation Website: http://www.soton.ac.uk