Liquid Crystals
AimsBefore you startIntroductionOrder and disorder – molecular orientationOrder and disorder – molecular positionDefectsOptical properties – birefringence in nematicsOptical properties – birefringence in chiral nematicsOptical properties – observing defectsObserving phase transitionsCommercial usesSummaryQuestionsGoing furtherTLP creditsTLP contentsShow all contentViewing and downloading resourcesAbout the TLPsTerms of useFeedbackCredits Print this page
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Aims
On completion of this TLP you should:
- Know the basic characteristics of liquid crystals, as well as the types of molecules capable of forming them.
- Be aware of the different degrees of order that can be present in a liquid crystal.
- Understand the various optical properties of liquid crystals, and how they are affected by factors such as molecular shape and defects within a sample.
- Be aware of some of the technological applications of these materials.