Polymer-Dispersed Liquid Crystal Films For Light Control Applications

Polymer-dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) films, comprised of liquid crystal microdroplets dispersed in polymer matrices, are attractive for a variety of indoor and outdoor light control applications since they can be switched electrically from a light-scattering off-state to a transparent on-state. This paper reviews the electro-optic properties of PDLC films which govern their performance in such diverse applications as electronic information displays, signs, room dividers, and solar energy control in buildings and automobiles. Factors governing the operating temperature range of PDLC films will be identified and temperature-dependent transmittance and response-time characteristics of these films will be presented. Spectral transmittance characteristics will be discussed and used to determine contrast ratios of PDLC films. Dual frequency addressing of PDLC films will be demonstrated and shown to be a viable technique for increasing contrast ratio of PDLC displays. Solar attenuation properties of PDLC films will be reviewed.