Liquid crystal photonics: optical switching and image storage by means of nematic liquid crystals and ferroelectric liquid crystals

Optical switching and image storage have been examined by means of liquid crystals (LCs), nematic LCs and ferroelectric LCs. Photochromic molecules were incorporated either by dispersion into host LCs or covalently attached to polymer main chains. These photochromic moieties act as a photoresponsive switch which induces phase transition and change in orientation of LCs, resulting in optical switching and image storage.