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Liquid crystal displays are currently utilized to convey information via graphic displays. Presents experiments and explanations that employ the concept of liquid crystals to learn concepts related to the various states of matter, electric and magnetic forces, refraction of light, and optics. Discusses applications of liquid crystal technology. (MDH)

The molecular behavior that causes observable surface phenomena can be explored in the physics class through simple quantitative and qualitative experiments. The concepts of surface tension, wettability, contact angles and capillary action can all be shown experimentally with water and other liquids. The purpose of these properties can be shown through a description of water transport in tall trees, which involves all of the properties working together. Seven separate experiments are provided.

A simple electrooptic device can be used to explore various liquid crystal display characteristics in the physics classroom, giving students experience with a relevant technology. The experiments using the device calculate voltage versus transmissions and transmission versus angle. The optics concepts of refraction index, polarization, optical rotation, light scattering and others as well as gray scale and threshold voltage are introduced. Experiment procedures and equipment design are included.

Presents a study that simulated microscope textures of nematic droplets in polymer dispersed liquid crystals. Description of the nematic droplets used in the study; Expression for the resulting intensity of a transformation matrix; Analysis of radial configuration.