Abstract: Devices and systems for the detection of ligands comprising at least one receptor and an amplification mechanism comprising a liquid crystalline, where an amplified signal is produced as a result of receptor binding to a ligand are provided. Also provided are methods for the automatic detection of ligands.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to liquid crystal diffraction gratings with electrically controlled periodicity. An electrical field is applied to liquid crystal device wherein the liquid crystals align to form a diffraction grating. The period of the diffraction grating is varied by changing the applied electrical field. The diffraction grating therefore has a period that can be varied by an electrical field.

Abstract: An electrooptical light modulating device includes a liquid crystalline material disposed between first and second opposing cell wall structures and comprising liquid crystal of positive dielectric anisotropy. The first cell wall structure is treated with a first aligning material to homeotropically align liquid crystal molecules of the material and the second cell wall structure is treated with a second aligning material that is different from the first aligning material to homeotropically align liquid crystal molecules of the material, whereby the liquid crystal exhibits a unipolar electrooptic effect in the presence of an electric field.