Liquid Crystals Frontiers In Biomedical Applications

1. Liquid crystals: a unique phase of matter -- 2. Medical displays -- 3. Liquid crystals in spectroscopy, microscopy and hyperspectral imaging -- 4. Liquid crystal biosensors -- 5. Liquid crystak lasers -- 6. Biomimicking with liquid crystals -- 7. Actuators and delivery systems

The work focuses on recent developments of the rapidly evolving field of Non-conventional Liquid Crystals. After a concise introduction it discusses the most promising research such as biosensing, elastomers, polymer films , photoresponsive properties and energy harvesting. Besides future applications it discusses as well potential frontiers in LC science and technology.

Covering numerous practical applications as yet not covered in any single source of information, this monograph discusses the importance of viscous and elastic properties for applications in both display and non-display technologies. The very well-known authors are major players in this field of research and pay special attention here to the use of liquid crystals in fiber optic devices as applied in telecommunication circuits.

Optics and photonics offer new and vibrant approaches to meeting the challenges of the 21st century concerning energy conservation, education, agriculture, personal health and the environment. One of the most effective ways to address these global problems is to provide updated and reliable content on light-based technologies. Optical thin films and meta-materials, lasers, optical communications, light-emitting diodes, solar cells, liquid crystal technology, nanophotonics and biophotonics all play vital roles in enriching our lives. We hope to raise readers’ awareness of how optical technologies are now promoting sustainable development and providing reliable solutions to basic human needs. Furthermore, in order to broaden new research fields, we hope to inspire them to pursue further cutting-edge breakthroughs on the basis of the accomplishments that have already been made.

Liquid crystals have attracted scientific attention for potential applications in advanced devices. Display technology is continuously growing and expanding and, as such, this book provides an overview of the most recent advances in liquid crystals and displays. Chapters cover such topics as nematic liquid crystals, active matrix organic light-emitting diodes, and tetradentate platinum(II) emitters, among others.

This book presents the unique mechanical, electrical, and optical properties of nanomaterials, which play an important role in the recent advances of energy-related applications. Different nanomaterials have been employed in energy saving, generation, harvest, conversion, storage, and transport processes very effectively and efficiently. Recent progress in the preparation, characterization and usage of 1D, 2D nanomaterials and hybrid architectures for energy-related applications and relevant technologies and devices, such as solar cells, thermoelectronics, piezoelectronics, solar water splitting, hydrogen production/storage, fuel cells, batteries, and supercapacitors is covered. Moreover, the book also highlights novel approaches in nanomaterials design and synthesis and evaluating materials sustainability issues. Contributions from active and leading experts regarding important aspects like the synthesis, assembly, and properties of nanomaterials for energy-related applications are compiled into a reference book. As evident from the diverse topics, the book will be very valuable to researchers working in the intersection of physics, chemistry, biology, materials science and engineering. It may set the standard and stimulates future developments in this rapidly emerging fertile frontier of nanomaterials for energy.