Improved Electro-Optical Response of Induced Chiral Nematic Liquid Crystal Doped with Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes

ABSTRACT

Multiwalled carbon nanotubes functionalized with COOH were dispersed into induced chiral nematic liquid crystals confined in a planar aligned cell. Dopant concentration was varied to investigate electro-optical behaviour and morphology of the doped samples in the presence of surface anchoring forces. An increase in the conductivity, refractive index, and dielectric constant of the material was observed. Polarized fluorescence spectroscopy confirmed the anisotropic changes brought in by CNT doping. A significant change in the onset voltage of Freedericksz transition and an emergence of electro optic memory due to stabilization of the sample by nanotubes ensure the practical use of the material.

Keywords:

• Freedericksz transition
• electro-optic response
• threshold voltage
• surface anchoring forces

Funding

Author Manju Middha is grateful to the University grants commission (UGC), New Delhi, for the grant of fellowship under FIP to carry out the research work.