Nanopatterned Silicone Substrate for Stabilizing Chiral Hematic Liquid Crystals in Single Crystal Blue Phase

Interests: Chemical Synthesis, Semiconductors

Published: January 1, 1970

Lead Inventor: Juan de Pablo

Blue phase liquid crystalline structures are highly desirable for applications such as electro-optical devices (e.g. display screens) because of light reflection that includes wavelengths not possible with other crystals and fast optical response rates as compared to current materials. However, widespread application of these materials is limited by narrow temperature range and poor texture.
The inventors used molecular simulations to design homeotropic patterning on a planar silicone substrate that can seed and anchor chiral hematic liquid crystals into a specified configuration. The pattern can be altered to guide the liquid crystals into a specific lattice orientation.
The product is a 3.5um thick silicone film strategically patterned with 5nm thick synthetic grafted polymer brushes. The engineered material imposes strain on the blue phase crystals, mediating their orientation, and allowing for macroscopic specimens of single-crystal blue phases with a specific plane orientation.
In proof-of-concept experiments, both patterned and un-patterned silicone substrates were prepared as simulated. Micrographs validated the presence of single crystal blue phases.

Allows for new applications of blue phase liquid crystals
Improves poor texture of blue phase liquid crystals
First reported macroscopic specimens of single-crystal blue phases with a specific plane orientation
No material platelet-like domains or grain boundaries
Valuable for sensing applications – can manipulate with temperature, voltage, and other chemicals