Behavior of nematic bipolar droplets in PDLC films: An optimization study

Abstract

The effect of nematic droplet shape, elastic constant ratio of liquid crystals, and external field strength on the performance of PDLC films is examined. The finite-difference method is used to model a single droplet with external field applied parallel to the droplet axis of symmetry. Genetic algorithm is employed to determine the optimal (i) aspect ratio, (ii) elastic constant ratio, and (iii) external field strength, which minimize the response and relaxation times for the droplet reorientation as well as the energy requirement. © 2010 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.