New Materials
Introduction
We develop new material platforms based on liquid crystal polymers, spanning molecular design, polymer and oligomer chemistry, and processing. Our work includes emerging systems such as ferroelectric nematic liquid crystals, newly designed molecules with tailored optical properties (e.g., low refractive-index contrast), and scalable fabrication routes that connect material chemistry to function and application.
What is happening now
Liquid crystal materials are widely used in mature technologies, yet their chemical space and functional diversity remain far from fully explored. Current systems are often optimized for specific applications, limiting adaptability, multifunctionality, and integration into soft, interactive devices. At the same time, advances in synthesis and processing are opening opportunities to create liquid crystal polymers with new phases, responses, and performance envelopes. The challenge lies in translating molecular-level design into robust materials and manufacturable systems.
Our Vision for our Research
Our vision is to expand the design space of liquid crystal polymers by creating new chemistries, new phases, and new processing strategies that enable programmable, responsive, and application-ready materials. By tightly coupling molecular design, material synthesis, and fabrication, we aim to deliver next-generation liquid crystal materials that bridge fundamental science and real-world technologies.
Ferroelectric Nematic Liquid Crystals
We develop polymer-based ferroelectric nematic liquid crystals and explore their integration into functional materials and devices. Our work bridges fundamental material design with applications that leverage strong polarization, fast response, and reconfigurable electro-mechanical and optical properties.
New Molecules
We develop new liquid crystal molecules with tailored optical and electrical properties. Examples include low-Δn molecules for controlled light modulation and molecules with high dipole moments to enhance electric responsiveness and coupling to external fields.
New Chemistry
We develop novel polymer and oligomer chemistries for liquid crystal materials, expanding the accessible phase space and functionality beyond conventional systems. By modifying backbone structures, side chains, and crosslinking strategies, we enable new responsive and programmable behaviors.
New Processing
We establish new processing and fabrication methods to translate liquid crystal chemistries into functional materials and devices. These approaches connect molecular design to scalable manufacturing, surface patterning, and application-driven integration.
Researchers
Meet the people working on this project. For any questions are inquiries contact them.
