Small particles in liquid crystal phases

Liquid crystals exhibit the extraordinary property of self-organisation. We will discuss how self-organisation can be transferred to dispersed particles using liquid crystal phases. Liquid crystal ? nanotube dispersions and their properties will be discussed for example in the context of sensor devices. Using nano-particles to stabilise Blue Phases for future fast response, and easy production flat panel screens will also be discussed. At last, we will touch on the behaviour of particles in liquid crystal phases under applied electric fields. A wealth of particle dynamics can be observed, much larger than expected from normal electrophoresis. The latter opens more questions than providing answers. Particle motion will be discussed for nematic, cholesteric, and smectic phases, as well as the isotropic phase of a liquid crystal.Liquid crystals exhibit the extraordinary property of self-organisation. We will discuss how self-organisation can be transferred to dispersed particles using liquid crystal phases. Liquid crystal nanotube dispersions and their properties will be discussed for example in the context of sensor devices. Using nano-particles to stabilise Blue Phases for future fast response, and easy production flat panel screens will also be discussed. At last, we will touch on the behaviour of particles in liquid crystal phases under applied electric fields. A wealth of particle dynamics can be observed, much larger than expected from normal electrophoresis. The latter opens more questions than providing answers. Particle motion will be discussed for nematic, cholesteric, and smectic phases, as well as the isotropic phase of a liquid crystal.