Enhanced birefringence for metallic nanoparticle doped liquid crystals

Birefringence of metallic nanoparticle doped liquid crystals is investigated theoretically based on the Maxwell-Garnett effective medium theory. The scattering influence for metallic nanoparticles are considered associated with anisotropic permittivities of liquid crystal. Improved birefringence for E7 liquid crystals with doped metallic nanoparticles could be obtained in the whole visible wavelength range. High birefringence is realized based on high birefringent undoped liquid crystals. The sizes and volume fraction of metallic nanoparticles affect the birefringent enhancement.