Novel liquid crystal filters for laser protection: understanding the physics of new modes and their incorporation in devices
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Leeds
Department Name: Physics and Astronomy
Abstract
Liquid crystals have great potential as switchable optical filters as they are responsive, rapid and can offer excellent optical extinction. However, no current technology has the combination of properties necessary for effective dynamic protection against laser illumination. This proposal develops new approaches to using liquid crystals in optical filters. The solutions have the potential to be rapid, switching on the microsecond timescale, have high optical density, and offer both absorptive and reflective options. The liquid crystal modes that will be employed include: helielectric deformation in ferroelectric and antiferroelectric systems; field-induced phase changes between reflecting and non-reflecting frustrated phases, bistable absorptive modes; and optically isotropic electro-optic effects. The last approach makes use of an entirely new electro-optic response in liquid crystals that has exciting potential for switchable technology. In addition to exploring the potential of completely new electro-optic switching modes, we will examine new device modes that will include surface modifications to induce bistability, allowing low power operation, and including the liquid crystal in completely new protective device geometries.
Publications
Jull EIL
(2017)
Tuneable and switchable liquid crystal laser protection system.
in Applied optics
Jull EIL
(2019)
Efficiency improvements in a dichroic dye-doped liquid crystal Fresnel lens.
in Optics express
Jull EIL
(2018)
All-optical responsive azo-doped liquid crystal laser protection filter.
in Optics express
Gleeson H
(2019)
Novel devices with photosensitive elements
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP/N509681/1 | 01/10/2016 | 30/09/2021 | |||
| 1823177 | Studentship | EP/N509681/1 | 01/10/2016 | 31/03/2020 | Ethan Jull |
| Description | Further development and investigations have been conducted on photosensitive liquid crystal elements giving further insight into their physics and potential application to novel optical devices. |
| Exploitation Route | These findings could be taken forward to further develop new and interesting optical devices. |
| Sectors | Aerospace, Defence and Marine,Agriculture, Food and Drink,Electronics,Leisure Activities, including Sports, Recreation and Tourism,Manufacturing, including Industrial Biotechology,Security and Diplomacy,Transport |
| Description | British Liquid Crystal Society Student Travel Award |
| Amount | £250 (GBP) |
| Organisation | British Liquid Crystal Society |
| Sector | Learned Society |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 07/2018 |
| End | 08/2018 |
| Description | Institute of Physics Student Travel Award |
| Amount | £300 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Institute of Physics (IOP) |
| Sector | Learned Society |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 07/2018 |
| End | 08/2018 |
| Description | Development of novel photopatterned liquid crystal devices |
| Organisation | Osaka Sangyo University |
| Country | Japan |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Development of chrome photo-mask for use in development of photopatterned liquid crystal substrates at Osaka Sangyo University. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Development of photopatterned device substrates for later use as a liquid crystal switchable optical device. |
| Impact | Manuscript in preparation for publication in Optics Express. |
| Start Year | 2018 |
| Description | Pint of Science Public Engagement |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Pint of Science is a worldwide festival which brings current academic research to the general public all in the comfort of a pub. We host multiple nights and themes every year ranging from astrophysics to nanotechnology. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017,2018,2019 |
| URL | https://pintofscience.co.uk/ |
| Description | Research Nights Talk |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Undergraduate students |
| Results and Impact | Research nights focusses on postgraduate researchers giving talks on their topics to the general public in the students union at the University of Leeds. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |