Author
David A Dunmur
Bio: David A Dunmur is an academic researcher. The author has contributed to research in topics: Liquid crystal & Columnar phase. The author has an hindex of 5, co-authored 10 publications receiving 301 citations.
Papers
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01 Jan 2002
TL;DR: In this article, the main types and classification distribution functions and order parameters physical properties of liquid crystals are described, including properties of nematic liquid crystals, elastostatics and nematodynamics.
Abstract: Liquid crystals: main types and classification distribution functions and order parameters physical properties of liquid crystals nematic liquid crystals nematic liquid crystals - elastostatics and nematodynamics smectic liquid crystals liquid crystals of disc-like molecules polymer liquid crystals chiral liquid crystals lyotropic liquid crystals defects and textures in liquid crystals.
213 citations
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TL;DR: This Review focuses on the developments of light-driven liquid crystalline materials containing photochromic components over the past decade, and the developed materials possess huge potential for applications in optics, photonics, adaptive materials, nanotechnology, etc.
Abstract: Light-driven phenomena both in living systems and nonliving materials have enabled truly fascinating and incredible dynamic architectures with terrific forms and functions. Recently, liquid crystalline materials endowed with photoresponsive capability have emerged as enticing systems. In this Review, we focus on the developments of light-driven liquid crystalline materials containing photochromic components over the past decade. Design and synthesis of photochromic liquid crystals (LCs), photoinduced phase transitions in LC, and photoalignment and photoorientation of LCs have been covered. Photomodulation of pitch, polarization, lattice constant and handedness inversion of chiral LCs is discussed. Light-driven phenomena and properties of liquid crystalline polymers, elastomers, and networks have also been analyzed. The applications of photoinduced phase transitions, photoalignment, photomodulation of chiral LCs, and photomobile polymers have been highlighted wherever appropriate. The combination of photoc...
576 citations
TL;DR: The main objective of field-cycling experiments [231, 367] is to obtain information on the spectral density of the fluctuating spin interactions in a frequency range as wide as possible as mentioned in this paper.
547 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present a comprehensive and current overview of scientific advancement in liquid crystal and carbon nanotube suspension, focusing on the recent developments and fundamental understanding of carbon-nanotube dispersion in nematic liquid crystals.
143 citations
TL;DR: An overview of the simulation work performed so far is given, and relying on the recent experimental findings, focuses on the still unanswered questions which will determine the future challenges in the field.
Abstract: Biaxial nematic (Nb) liquid crystals are a fascinating condensed matter phase that has baffled, for more than thirty years, scientists engaged in the challenge of demonstrating its actual existence, and which has only recently been experimentally found. During this period computer simulations of model Nb have played an important role, both in providing the basic physical properties to be expected from these systems, and in giving clues about the molecular features essential for the thermodynamic stability of Nb phases. However, simulation studies are expected to be even more crucial in the future for unravelling the structural features of biaxial mesogens at the molecular level, and for helping in the design and optimization of devices towards the technological deployment of Nb materials. This review article gives an overview of the simulation work performed so far, and relying on the recent experimental findings, focuses on the still unanswered questions which will determine the future challenges in the field.
125 citations
02 Nov 2015
TL;DR: In this article, the effects of nanoscale dopants on the electrical properties of liquid crystals were investigated and the most promising inorganic and organic nanomaterials suitable to capture ions in liquid crystals was identified.
Abstract: The presence of ions in liquid crystals is one of the grand challenges that hinder the application of liquid crystals in various devices, which include advanced 3-D and flexible displays, tunable lenses, etc. Not only do they compromise the overall performance of liquid crystal devices, ions are also responsible for slow response, image sticking, and image flickering, as well as many other negative effects. Even highly purified liquid crystal materials can get contaminated during the manufacturing process. Moreover, liquid crystals can degrade over time and generate ions. All of these factors raise the bar for their quality control, and increase the manufacturing cost of liquid crystal products. A decade of dedicated research has paved the way to the solution of the issues mentioned above through merging liquid crystals and nanotechnology. Nano-objects (guests) that are embedded in the liquid crystals (hosts) can trap ions, which decreases the ion concentration and electrical conductivity, and improves the electro-optical response of the host. In this paper, we (i) review recently published works reporting the effects of nanoscale dopants on the electrical properties of liquid crystals; and (ii) identify the most promising inorganic and organic nanomaterials suitable to capture ions in liquid crystals.
119 citations