Electrically modulated photoluminescence in ferroelectric liquid crystal

Electrical modulation and switching of photoluminescence (PL) have been demonstrated in pure deformed helix ferroelectric liquid crystal (DHFLC) material. The PL intensity increases and peak position shifts towards lower wavelength above a threshold voltage which continues up to a saturation voltage. This is attributed to the helix unwinding phenomenon in the DHFLC on the application of an electric field. Moreover, the PL intensity could be switched between high intensity (field-on) and low intensity (field-off) positions. These studies would add a new dimension to ferroelectric liquid crystal's application in the area of optical devices.