Three-dimensional observation of polymer and liquid crystal director in highly oriented liquid crystal / polymer composite films which show electro-optical transparency-turbidity switching

Polymer structure and azimuthal distribution of liquid crystal directors in highly oriented polymer / liquid crystal composite films were observed by using a confocal laser-scanning microscope. On the basis of the observed structure, we propose a new electro-optical mode of the composite film that the film acts as a phase modulator which generates light scattering by interference of light.