Optics and electro-optics of polymer-dispersed liquid crystals: physics, technology, and application

A brief description of the basic optical and electro-optical effects observed in polymer-dispersed liquid crystals (PDLCs) is presented. Theoretical models of light scattering from such structures and measurement techniques of PDLC optical properties are included, based on which of the material properties of polymer and liquid crystal required for application are discussed. Special attention is paid to the methods for optimizing PDLC optical and electro-optical properties. Finally, the known and possible applications of PDLC optical properties are discussed.