Memory effects in chiral nematic liquid crystals doped with functionalised single-walled carbon nanotubes

Abstract

Octadecylamine-functionalised single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) were dispersed into nematic liquid crystals (LCs) doped with chiral molecules. The collective orientation of nematic LC molecules in helical layers was manipulated by varying dopant concentration. Highly anisotropic nature of SWCNTs enhanced the anisotropy of the LC as confirmed by polarised fluorescence spectroscopy. The π–π interaction of SWCNTs present in the planar alignment layers and twisted nematic LC molecules affects the molecular relaxation process. An irreversible electro-optic memory in the material has been observed.

Keywords:

• functionalised single-wall carbon nanotubes
• chiral liquid crystals
• electro-optic memory
• optical hysteresis

Additional information

Funding

Authors wish to acknowledge university grants commission (UGC), India, for the financial support and fellowship under faculty improvement plan (FIP) to carry out the research work.