ELECTROOPTICAL POLYMERIC LC COMPOSITES

The paper reviews the current state of the science of LC composites, w hich are polymeric materials containing nematic liquid crystals in the ir micropores (capsules). These materials are opaque. However, when an electric field is applied, they become transparent. Methods of LC com posite preparation are described, as well as their structure, particul arly, as affected by the electric field. Optical and electrooptical pr operties of the LC composites are discussed in detail. Data is compile d on the magnitude of the critical field and switching-on and switchin g-off times as affected by various parameters of the LC composites. Th e most significant applications of the LC composites are also discusse d. Some optical devices are described. Some predictions concerning the development of this field are made.