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Optically anisotropic, electrically tunable microlens arrays formed via single-step photopolymerization-induced phase separation in polymer/liquid-crystal composite materials

Researchers developed a simple, one-step method for creating large-area liquid crystal microlens arrays (LC-MLAs) with high focusing quality. The LC-MLAs demonstrate polarization-dependent, electrically tunable properties, allowing for adjustable focal length and image depth control.

Peering into nanofluidic mysteries one photon at a time

A team of researchers has developed an innovative approach to visualize individual molecule dynamics within nanofluidic structures using super-resolution microscopy and single-photon emitters. The study reveals new insights into the behavior of liquids on a nanometer scale, opening up exciting applications in optical imaging and sensing.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalNature Materials·DateAug 31, 2023

Liquid crystals that mimic beetle shell coloration units used to create more secure type of QR code

Researchers at Nagoya University developed a method to process cholesteric liquid crystals into micrometer-sized spherical particles, creating a unique anti-counterfeiting QR code that can only be displayed under a specific circular polarizer. The use of chirality in these particles enables the creation of more secure codes with potent...

SourceNagoya University·JournalAdvanced Optical Materials·DateJul 14, 2023

Physicists discover ‘stacked pancakes of liquid magnetism’

Researchers have discovered a new phase of liquid magnetism in layered helical magnets, where magnetic dipoles behave like 'flattened puddles' with varying alignment between layers. This phenomenon, predicted by a computational model, may explain the unusual electronic behavior observed in these materials.

SourceRice University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 10, 2023

USTC realizes light-driven programmable colloidal self-assembly

The USTC team has successfully developed a light-driven, programmable system for colloidal self-assembly. Through the cooperative reorganization of nanomotors, they can transport and reconfigure colloidal assemblies in various ways. This breakthrough opens up new possibilities for designing micromachines and smart materials.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 20, 2023

CityU scholars unify color systems using prime numbers

Researchers from City University of Hong Kong developed a unified colour system based on prime numbers, called C<sub>235</sub>, which can represent various colours more efficiently than existing systems like RGB and CMYK. The new colour system has potential applications in designing energy-saving LCD systems and colourizing DNA codons.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalLight Science & Applications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 2, 2023

New ice is like a snapshot of liquid water

A team of researchers at Cambridge and UCL created a novel amorphous form of ice called medium-density amorphous ice (MDA), which resembles liquid water in its solid state. MDA has a density similar to that of liquid water and displays unique properties not found in other forms of ice.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalScience·DateFeb 2, 2023

Exotic water ice contributes to understanding of magnetic anomalies on Neptune and Uranus

Researchers used density functional theory to investigate the mechanical properties of superionic ice XVIII, which is thought to make up a large part of Neptune and Uranus. The study found that dislocations in the crystal lattice produce shear, leading to macroscopic deformations and potentially influencing the planets' magnetic fields.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 20, 2023

Advanced liquid crystal-based switchable optical devices for light protection applications

Researchers discuss the development of liquid crystal-based switchable optical devices for light protection, highlighting their advantages over conventional materials. The review article explores various light modulation principles and proposes strategies for improving light protection in different environments.

Autonomous crawling soft ‘ringbots’ can navigate narrow gaps

Researchers at NC State University have developed a ring-shaped soft robot capable of crawling across surfaces when exposed to elevated temperatures or infrared light. The 'ringbots' are made of liquid crystal elastomers in the shape of looped ribbon, resembling a bracelet, and can pull a small payload across various environments.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 15, 2022

The annihilation of exceptional points from various degeneration points was observed for the first time in the world

For the first time, scientists observed the annihilation of exceptional points from various degeneration points. The researchers used an optical resonator filled with liquid crystal to study the properties of exceptional points. They found that the position of these points can be controlled by changing the voltage applied to the cavity.

SourceUniversity of Warsaw, Faculty of Physics·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 14, 2022

Physicists from the University of Warsaw and the Military University of Technology have developed a new photonic system with electrically tuned topological features

Physicists have developed a new photonic system with electrically tuned topological features, constructed of perovskites and liquid crystals. The system can be used to create efficient and unconventional light sources, mimicking the spin-orbit coupling previously observed in semiconductor physics at cryogenic temperatures.

SourceUniversity of Warsaw, Faculty of Physics·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 14, 2022

Researchers discover new multicellular bacteria species

Researchers have isolated a novel bacterial species, HS-3, that displays complex multicellular behavior and a reversible two-phase life cycle. The discovery reveals a previously unknown mechanism for the emergence of multicellularity in bacteria, suggesting that environmental factors played a crucial role.

SourceeLife·JournaleLife·DateOct 11, 2022

Dual-color terahertz spatial light modulator for single-pixel imaging

A joint team of scientists developed a terahertz spatial light modulator based on metasurface absorber and dual-frequency liquid crystal, enabling dual-color THz CS imaging. The auto-calibrated CS algorithm improves image fidelity, while frequency-switching enables Hadamard masks with negative element values.

Complexity of crystallization amazes physicists

Researchers discovered that certain liquid crystals form multiple chiral smectic phases and exhibit complex crystallization processes. Slow cooling can lead to crystallization, while fast cooling promotes vitrification. Cold crystallization occurs when the sample is heated, and its kinetics are controlled by diffusion rates.

A light twist

A researcher at the University of Tsukuba has developed a method for producing electrically conductive polymers with helical configurations, which can convert linearly polarized light into circular polarization. This approach may lead to cheaper and more energy-efficient electronic displays.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalMolecular Crystals and Liquid Crystals·DateJun 16, 2022

Advanced liquid crystal devices for AR/VR displays: Principles and Applications

Researchers have developed advanced liquid crystal devices for augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) displays, improving image quality and formfactor. The devices address challenges such as light efficiency, resolution density, and ambient contrast ratio, providing valuable guidelines for future LC device development.

Holo-imprinting: A fast fabrication method for planar liquid crystal optics

The holo-imprinting method overcomes the mass production bottleneck of traditional holographic optical elements. It uses photoalignment and reflective planar LC optics to record high-quality linear polarization fields. The technique has been experimentally validated with samples exhibiting excellent optical quality.

Models for molecules show unexpected physics

A study by Sibani Lisa Biswal and Kedar Joshi shows that magnetically driven colloidal suspensions exhibit behavior consistent with the principles of classical thermodynamics, including vapor pressure, viscosity, and surface tension. The researchers' findings have implications for designing materials with reconfigurable properties.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 14, 2022

HKUST and UChicago researchers find new ways of leveraging topological defects in liquid crystals to make “computer”

Researchers at HKUST and UChicago have designed the basic elements needed for logic operations using liquid crystals, paving the way for novel computing methods. The team controlled topological defects to perform operations like amplification and switching, opening the door to potential applications in robotics and sensing.

Green chemistry: Scientists develop new process for more eco-friendly liquid crystals

Researchers at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg have developed a new process for producing liquid crystals that is more efficient and environmentally friendly. The approach uses multi-component reactions to simplify the production process, eliminating the need for harsh solvents and reducing energy consumption.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalJournal of Molecular Liquids·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 1, 2022

The optical Stern-Gerlach Deflection and Young’s experiment in the reciprocal space

Researchers demonstrated Young's experiment for photons in reciprocal space, creating an interference pattern of light polarization with circular polarized stripes. The observation coincided with the 100th anniversary of spin discovery and showed a classic entanglement of two degrees of freedom - direction and polarization of light.

SourceUniversity of Warsaw, Faculty of Physics·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 9, 2021