Encapsulated polymer stabilized cholesteric texture light shutter
An encapsulated polymer stabilized cholesteric texture (EPSCT) light shutter is formed from a cholesteric liquid crystal and monomer that is encapsulated into micron sized, polymer-coated droplets by either an emulsification or phase separation process. The polymer-coated droplets are disposed between transparent electrodes, where they are irradiated by ultra-violet (UV) light to polymerize the monomer.
1. A light shutter comprising:
first and second spaced electrodes, wherein at least one of said electrodes is at least partially transparent;
a polymer disposed between the first and second electrodes; and
at least one droplet having a shell formed of the polymer, wherein said polymer shell fully encapsulates a polymer network dispersed in liquid crystal material;
wherein when a first voltage is applied to the first and second electrode, the liquid crystal material is placed in a light scattering state, and when a second voltage is applied to the first and second electrodes, the liquid crystal material is placed in an at least partially light transparent state.
2. The light shutter of claim 1 , wherein said first and second electrodes are formed of indium-tin-oxide (ITO).
3. The light shutter of claim 1 , wherein the liquid crystal material comprises nematic liquid crystals.
4. The light shutter of claim 1 , wherein the liquid crystal material is anisotropic.