Rod-like

1. Self-assembly in ultrathin films of bent-core molecules Elizabeth K. Mann, Kent State University, DMR 0907055 For any application of bent-core liquid crystals as active organic devices, made possible by their complex molecular shape, uniform alignment is important. Yet because of that complex shape, good alignment is difficult. In this project, surface interactions are used to create bent-core layers at the air/water interface. These ordered layers are transferred to solid substrates, and then used to align bulk liquid crystals. Atomistic molecular dynamics simulations probe the molecular configuration at the water surface. We were able to achieve effective perpendicular alignment of a bent-core nematic for the first time, using a bent core molecule fabricated with a hydrophilic end-group (orange in cartoons.) [1] Iglesias et al., Soft Matter, 2011, DOI: 10.1039/C1SM05546A “dark” Rod-like “bright” Nematic liquid crystal cells “dark” Bent-core “bright” 200mm Atomistic simulations show change in bent-core orientation on compression. Crossed polarizing microscopy images show effect of transferred bent-core layer on LC alignment. After ref. [1].

2. Self-assembly in ultrathin films of bent-core molecules Elizabeth K. Mann, Kent State University, DMR 0907055 The demonstrated perpendicular alignment of a nematic bent-core liquid crystal, and the insight it gives into the necessary conditions for an effective alignment layer, enables future applications of these molecules. The collaboration includes 3 members of under-represented groups, including one of the three PI’s. The students are being trained in collaboration with physicists, chemists, and chemical engineers, including C. Tschierske at the University of Halle, Germany, who synthesized the molecule shown in the last slide. A. Jakli organized the 13th International Conference on Ferroelectric Liquid Crystals, while D. Lacks hosted the Annual Meeting of the Electrostatics Society of America, with 70 attendees, from all continents. D. Lacks also ran 3 programs in Botswana for 24 American and 3 Botswanan students. The project group photo, summer 2011. The group this year included 3 members of under-represented groups (women, Hispanic), two high school students, one undergraduate student, and two graduate students.