Liquid crystal blue phase induced by bent-shaped molecules with allylic end groups

A blue phase is induced by bent-shaped monomer with allylic end bonds when doped into chiral nematic liquid crystal. The mechanism of blue phase induction and stabilization is investigated. Its temperature range is further widened to 10.2 K by UV irradiation with a slowly cooling process. The widening principle is distinguishable from traditional polymer stabilization mechanism. The study provides some useful insights into the molecular design of suitable bent-shaped dopants towards wide range blue phase liquid crystals. (C) 2011 Optical Society of America