Applications of Liquid Crystals

Abstract

Over the past ten years liquid crystals have attracted much interest and considerable progress has been made with respect to our knowledge in this field. The recent development was initiated mainly by the work of J.L. Fergason and G.H. Heilmeier, who pointed out the importance of liquid crystals for thermographic and electro optic applications. The first part of this book is a brief introduction to the physics of liquid crystals. The structures and properties of the three basic types of liquid crystals are discussed. A special paragraph is devoted to electric-field effects, which are import. Physical Properties of Liquid Crystals -- Scientific Applications of Liquid Crystals -- Medical and Technical Applications of Liquid Crystals -- Chemical Compounds.