Selective Scattering of Polarizing Light by Electric Field-induced Line-shaped Domains in (Liquid Crystalline Polymer/Liquid Crystal) Composite System

Abstract

The reverse-mode light switching, that is, light transmission-light scattering switching upon electric field off-on states, respectively, was investigated for the (liquid crystalline polymer / liquid crystal) composite system in which two kinds of liquid crystalline phases coexisted. However, the generation mechanism of the light scattering in the homogeneous alignment cell upon the application of an electric field has not been clear. In this study, it was found from the polarizing optical microscope observation and light scattering measurements that the light scattering of the homogeneous alignment cell was attributed to the formation of line-shaped domains induced by the application of an electric field. A highly selective light scattering to the linearly polarized incident light was in a strong relation to the existence of line-shaped domains.