Droplet density, droplet size, and wavelength effects in PDLC light scattering

Abstract

The transmission properties of several scattering-type PDLC films are studied as a function of droplet density, droplet size, wavelength, and applied field. Experimental scattering cross sections for the nematic droplets are compared to theoretical cross sections calculated using the anomalous diffraction model for light scattering. Good agreement between experiment and theory is found. At low fields the scattering cross section is independent of droplet density, while at high fields the scattering cross section increases dramatically with decreasing density. These results are also rationalized using the anomalous diffraction approximation. Some implications regarding PDLC devices are discussed.