Programmable Patterned Dynamic Scattering of Liquid Crystals/Epoxy‐based Polymer Composite Film Sandwiched between Two Fully Covered Electrodes

Abstract

AbstractDynamic scattering has been a prominent technique in the display industry for several years. However, conventional approaches have required the use of tailored conductive layers to enable modular control in display panels. This has resulted in an increase in process complexity and device cost. To overcome these limitations, the present work proposes a novel method for fabricating a patterned dynamic scattering film using masked photopolymerization of liquid crystalline epoxy in negative liquid crystals. Specifically, the film is sandwiched between two fully covered electrodes, and an electric field is applied causing dynamic scattering only in the area that had been exposed to ultraviolet light during the preparation process. The remaining area remained transparent. The underlying mechanism is attributed to the formation of polymer solely in the UV‐exposed region via masked photopolymerization. This polymer is capable of absorbing ions, resulting in the formation of a concentration gradient of ions between the UV‐exposed and unexposed areas. The low concentration of ions in the unexposed area prevents the induction of dynamic scattering under an electric field, leading to the patterned dynamic scattering phenomenon. Building on this mechanism, the researchers are able to achieve several multilevel patterned dynamic scattering films sandwiched between two fully covered electrodes.