Bistable defect structures in blue phase devices

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates how to control defect structures in blue phase liquid crystals using electric fields, enabling the development of fast, energy-efficient bistable devices.

Contribution

It identifies specific confined blue phase I systems where electric fields can switch between two defect patterns, advancing bistable device design.

Findings

Electric fields can selectively switch defect patterns in blue phase I.

Bistable defect configurations are achievable in ultrathin surface-treated BPI wafers.

Potential for fast, energy-saving bistable liquid crystal devices.

Abstract

Blue phases (BPs) are liquid crystals made up by networks of defects, or disclination lines. While existing phase diagrams show a striking variety of competing metastable topologies for these networks, very little is known as to how to kinetically reach a target structure, or how to switch from one to the other, which is of paramount importance for devices. We theoretically identify two confined blue phase I systems in which by applying an appropriate series of electric field it is possible to select one of two bistable defect patterns. Our results may be used to realise new generation and fast switching energy-saving bistable devices in ultrathin surface treated BPI wafers.