Scientific developments of liquid crystal-based optical memory: a review

Abstract

The memory behavior in liquid crystals (LCs), although rarely observed, has made very significant headway over the past three decades since their discovery in nematic type LCs. It has gone from a mere scientific curiosity to application in variety of commodities. The memory element formed by numerous LCs have been protected by patents, and some commercialized, and used as compensation to non-volatile memory devices, and as memory in personal computers and digital cameras. They also have the low cost, large area, high speed, and high density memory needed for advanced computers and digital electronics. Short and long duration memory behavior for industrial applications have been obtained from several LC materials, and an LC memory with interesting features and applications has been demonstrated using numerous LCs. However, considerable challenges still exist in searching for highly efficient, stable, and long-lifespan materials and methods so that the development of useful memory devices is possible. This review focuses on the scientific and technological approach of fascinating applications of LC-based memory. We address the introduction, development status, novel design and engineering principles, and parameters of LC memory. We also address how the amalgamation of LCs could bring significant change/improvement in memory effects in the emerging field of nanotechnology, and the application of LC memory as the active component for futuristic and interesting memory devices.

From static to active photoluminescence tuning: functional spacer materials for plasmon–fluorophore interaction

“…LCs are characterized by intermediate phases (also referred to as mesophases) between the ordered solid crystal and disordered isotropic liquid. 141 The structural orientation of different LCs, as small molecules, can vary remarkably. They can also be incorporated into a polymer backbone or side chain to form polymeric LCs (Fig.…”

Enhancement in electrical conductivity of liquid crystals by graphene metal oxide composites

“…Doping liquid crystals (LCs) with nanomaterials addresses an important strategy for tuning their properties 1 . Doped LCs exhibit significantly improved properties compared to their undoped ones, while they also achieve long-term stability for industrial applications 2 – 5 . It has been shown that low loadings of various nanomaterials with zero-, one-, and two-dimensional structures dispersed in LCs media can significantly affect their physical properties, especially space-charge distribution 6 – 11 .…”

Voltage control of skyrmions: Creation, annihilation, and zero-magnetic field stabilization

“…In order to store such an immense amount of digital data, novel memory devices are highly desirable. Among the main types of memory devices, such as semiconductor [2], optical [3] and magnetic devices, magnetic storage is the most widely used technique due to it being cheaper per unit of storage and having faster read and write speed compared to other storage devices. The key breakthrough leading to modern magnetic storage devices is giant magnetoresistance (GMR), which was separately discovered by Albert Fert [4] and Peter…”