Abstract: A system for detecting a target material in a sample. The system includes a sensor, a light source, an image-capturing device, two linear-crossed polarizers including a first polarizer and a second polarizer, and a processing unit. The sensor is configured to place the sample thereon and includes a fabric impregnated with liquid crystals (LCs). The light source is configured to transmit a beam of light through a path passing from the first polarizer, the sensor, and the second polarizer. The image-capturing device is configured to capture an image of a surface of the second polarizer. The image contains a pattern formed by orientations of LCs corresponding to the sample. The processing unit is configured to detect a presence of the target material in the sample by analyzing the captured image.

Abstract: A system for detecting a target material in a sample. The system includes a sensor, a light source, an image-capturing device, two linear-crossed polarizers including a first polarizer and a second polarizer, and a processing unit. The sensor is configured to place the sample thereon and includes a fabric impregnated with liquid crystals (LCs). The light source is configured to transmit a beam of light through a path passing from the first polarizer, the sensor, and the second polarizer. The image-capturing device is configured to capture an image of a surface of the second polarizer. The image contains a pattern formed by orientations of LCs corresponding to the sample. The processing unit is configured to detect a presence of the target material in the sample by analyzing the captured image.

Abstract: A method is described for preparing a nanorods assembly. The method comprises providing a mixture comprising at least a liquid crystal and nanorods and depositing said mixture on the surface of at least substrate. The method further comprises aligning said nanorods with their long axis of the nanorods along a preferred direction on said substrate resulting in a nanorods and liquid crystal assembly, said aligning being performed by applying an external alternating current electrical field.

Abstract: A method is described for preparing a nanorods assembly. The method comprises providing a mixture comprising at least a liquid crystal and nanorods and depositing said mixture on the surface of at least substrate. The method further comprises aligning said nanorods with their long axis of the nanorods along a preferred direction on said substrate resulting in a nanorods and liquid crystal assembly, said aligning being performed by applying an external alternating current electrical field.

Abstract: Example embodiments relate to an optical shutter including a first polarization filter having a nanopore-cholesteric liquid crystal layer, which includes a cholesteric liquid crystal matrix and a plurality of liquid crystal nanopores embedded in the cholesteric liquid crystal matrix, and having a reflective wavelength band that varies according to electrical control, and a second polarization filter that is parallel to the first polarization filter, includes a nanopore-cholesteric liquid crystal layer, which includes a cholesteric liquid crystal matrix and a plurality of liquid crystal nanopores embedded in the cholesteric liquid crystal matrix, and has a reflective wavelength band that varies according to electrical control.

Abstract: Example embodiments relate to an optical shutter including a first polarization filter having a nanopore-cholesteric liquid crystal layer, which includes a cholesteric liquid crystal matrix and a plurality of liquid crystal nanopores embedded in the cholesteric liquid crystal matrix, and having a reflective wavelength band that varies according to electrical control, and a second polarization filter that is parallel to the first polarization filter, includes a nanopore-cholesteric liquid crystal layer, which includes a cholesteric liquid crystal matrix and a plurality of liquid crystal nanopores embedded in the cholesteric liquid crystal matrix, and has a reflective wavelength band that varies according to electrical control.