| Project Detail |
"Ferroelectric nematic liquid crystals (NF-LCs) represent a unique and promising class of materials with exceptional properties that have the potential to revolutionize a wide range of technological applications, promising reduced energy consumption and improved switching speed. To fully harness the potential of NF-LCs, a key step is their transformation into processable polymers, facilitating their integration into practical engineering applications for ultra-fast electro-optical switches and modular optics.
The ""Polymer-Ferroelectric Nematic"" (POLY-FEN) project is dedicated to the synthesis of processable and photo-responsive polymer networks with extreme dipoles derived from room-temperature NFs and harness their properties to create innovative solutions that outperform conventional technologies. I will demonstrate the advantages of the synthesized materials by building devices in which the alignment and 3D topography of the polymer films can be re-written by actuation with electricity and light. POLY-Fen leverages recent advancements in the field of NFs, my unique skill set in synthesis and design of building-blocks for stimuli-responsive materials, and the extensive knowledge of the host group in liquid crystalline materials and device engineering.
The POLY-FEN project represents a substantial step toward unlocking the potential of NF-LCs, positioning them as a cornerstone for future LC device innovations. Since their discovery in 2017, only a few NF motifs have been reported. Of these, none show inherent stimuli-responsive behavior, further emphasizing the pioneering nature of the proposed work. The knowledge and innovation generated by this project will not only advance my career but also provide substantial societal and economic benefits through tangible advancements in the fields of energy-efficient electronics, advanced optics, and other high-impact technologies." |
