Photo-tunable epsilon-near-zero behavior in a self-assembled liquid crystal - nanoparticle hybrid material.

ABSTRACT: Dynamic tuning of electromagnetic response is an important parameter to realize exotic applications of optical metamaterials. Self-assembly achieved via the incorporation of soft materials is an attractive approach to achieve tunable optical properties. Among the soft materials, liquid crystals are highly sought after due to the inherent soft-stimuli responsiveness. This article reports experimental evidence of tunable epsilon-near-zero (ENZ) behavior brought about by an optical field in a self-assembled liquid crystal - nanoparticle system. The material consists of Au nanoparticles capped with a photo-active chiral liquid crystal ligand. In the liquid crystalline state, the system self-assembles into a helical lamellar superstructure, confirmed by polarizing optical microscopy, HRT

SUBMITTER: Bhardwaj A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9416799 | biostudies-literature | 2021 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature