Texture evolution of cholesteric liquid crystal driven by a thermal process

Cholesteric liquid crystal displays (Ch-LCDs) have potential as screens in portable readers. In the present study, it is demonstrated that a Ch-LCD can be driven by a thermal process at a temperature of 90 °C. At a suitable temperature, the texture of the cholesteric liquid crystal will be transfrred from planar to focal conic. The experimental results show that the reflectance of a Ch-LCD is influenced by texture after the thermal process. After thermal treatment at 90 °C, the periodicity was reduced from 63 nm to 55 nm. A chain tilting angle of ∼29° was estimated.

Graphical abstract.Download full-size imageHighlights► A Ch-LCD can be driven by a thermal process. ► The texture of the cholesteric liquid crystal will be transfrred from planar to focal conic. ► The reflectance of a Ch-LCD is influenced by texture after the thermal process. ► After thermal treatment at 90 °C, a chain tilting angle of ∼29°.