Abstract: There is provided the use of an aligned nematic elastomer to form a material having auxetic properties wherein the aligned nematic material has a mechanical Fréedericksz transition. Also provided is a method of producing an aligned nematic elastomer for said use.

Abstract: There is provided the use of an aligned nematic elastomer to form a material having auxetic properties wherein the aligned nematic material has a mechanical Fréedericksz transition. Also provided is a method of producing an aligned nematic elastomer for said use.

Abstract: There is provided the use of an aligned nematic elastomer to form a material having auxetic properties wherein the aligned nematic material has a mechanical Fréedericksz transition. Also provided is a method of producing an aligned nematic elastomer for said use.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dynamically switchable contact lens, operable to switch between first and second focal states, each focal state having a different optical property, the lens comprising: a power source; a controller, operable to control the operation of the lens; a transceiver operable to communicate with a second lens and/or an external controller; wherein the controller is operable to pair the lens with the second lens by means of the external controller.

Abstract: A liquid crystal device (100) for focusing visible light, the liquid crystal device (100) comprising a plurality of curved substrates (101,102) arranged to form one or more curved cavities (104) therebetween, each substrate being configured to provide a focal power, wherein the one or more curved cavities contain liquid crystal and form one or more liquid crystal elements. Each of the one or more liquid crystal elements are configured to provide a focal power, the focal power of each of the liquid crystal elements being dependent on the curvature of the respective cavity and a voltage applied across the liquid crystal contained within the respective cavity. The substrates (101,102) in combination with the one or more liquid crystal elements are arranged to provide a first focal power in a substantial absence of an applied voltage and a second focal power in response to an applied voltage.

Abstract: A liquid crystal device (100) for focusing visible light, the liquid crystal device (100) comprising a plurality of curved substrates (101,102) arranged to form one or more curved cavities (104) therebetween, each substrate being configured to provide a focal power, wherein the one or more curved cavities contain liquid crystal and form one or more liquid crystal elements. Each of the one or more liquid crystal elements are configured to provide a focal power, the focal power of each of the liquid crystal elements being dependent on the curvature of the respective cavity and a voltage applied across the liquid crystal contained within the respective cavity. The substrates (101,102) in combination with the one or more liquid crystal elements are arranged to provide a first focal power in a substantial absence of an applied voltage and a second focal power in response to an applied voltage.

Abstract: An electrical temperature sensor (10) comprises a liquid crystalline material (12). First and second electrically conductive contacts (14), (16), having a spaced relationship therebetween, contact the liquid crystalline material (12). An electric property measuring device is electrically connected to the first and second contacts (14), (16) and is arranged to measure an electric property of the liquid crystalline material (12). The liquid crystalline material (12) has a transition temperature T at which it undergoes a phase change between polar and non-polar phases. The phase change between polar and non-polar phases causes a change in said electric property of the liquid crystalline material (12).

Abstract: An electrical temperature sensor (10) comprises a liquid crystalline material (12). First and second electrically conductive contacts (14), (16), having a spaced relationship therebetween, contact the liquid crystalline material (12). An electric property measuring device is electrically connected to the first and second contacts (14), (16) and is arranged to measure an electric property of the liquid crystalline material (12). The liquid crystalline material (12) has a transition temperature T at which it undergoes a phase change between polar and non-polar phases. The phase change between polar and non-polar phases causes a change in said electric property of the liquid crystalline material (12).