Method for the Preparation of High-Efficient, Tuneable and Switchable Optical Elements Based on Polymer-Liquid Crystal Composites

摘要

A homogeneous isotropic mixture of photocurable monomers and/or oligomers, one or more liquid crystals or a liquid crystal mixture, and optionally a photoinitiator is provided that is homogeneous and optically clear within a temperature range of between 15 and 25° C. An optically transparent film of the homogenous isotropic mixture on a substrate or in a space between two substrates is prepared. The optically transparent film is irradiated with an inhomogeneous light field of actinic light such that areas of the film are irradiated while others are not. The intensity is sufficiently low that first areas solely, substantially or mainly composed of photocured polymer are formed, while the liquid crystals or liquid crystal mixture completely, substantially or mainly escapes into second areas that are not or substantially not irradiated. The substrates are removed depending on whether the rigid or flexible film is to be prepared alone or on a substrate.