Publications

We have previously proposed a process for stabilizing azodye photo-alignment layers using a surface localized reactive mesogen (RM) layer applied by dissolving the monomer in a liquid crystal prior to filling the cell. Surprisingly, thin azodye layers (~3 nm) exhibit improved stability upon exposure to polarized light compared to thicker...

We have previously shown through simulation that an optical beam deflector based on the Pancharatnam (geometric) phase can provide high efficiency with up to 80° deflection using a dual-twist structure for polarization-state control [Appl. Opt. 54, 10035 (2015)]. In this report, we demonstrate that its optical performance is as predicted...

Controlling and optimising the alignment of liquid crystals is a crucial process for display application. Here, we investigate the effects of humidity and surface types on photoalignment of an azo-dye brilliant yellow (BY). Specifically, the effect of humidity on the photoalignment of BY was studied at the stage of substrate...

An uncooled thermal imager is being developed based on a liquid crystal (LC) transducer. Without any electrical connections, the LC transducer pixels change the long-wavelength infrared (LWIR) scene directly into a visible image as opposed to an electric signal in microbolometers. The objectives are to develop an imager technology scalable...

A novel sensor is being developed for a new uncooled imager technology that is scalable to large formats (tens of megapixels), which is greater than what is achieved by commercial microbolometer arrays. In this novel sensor, a liquid-crystal transducer is used to change a long-wavelength infrared scene into a visible...