Fig. 1. (a) Fabrication of the DDPSCLC sample. (b) OFF-state and ON-state of the DDPSCLC sample observed under a POM with a pair of crossed polarizers. (c) 45° top view and side view SEM images of 2% monomer sample. Transmittance in wavelength range of 400–700 nm and corresponding images (inset) at OFF/ON states (d) before and (e) after the polymerization.

Fig. 2. Influences of different parameters on electro-optical properties of DDPSCLCs. (a) Voltage-dependent transmittance and on-off ratio (inset) of different dye concentrations (in mass fraction). Threshold voltage, saturation voltage, and on-off ratio of samples with different (b) chiral concentrations (in mass fraction) and (c) cell gaps. (d) On-off ratio of samples with different monomer concentrations (in mass fraction). The optimum condition is marked with a red star. (e) Voltage dependent response time of the sample with a chiral concentration of 0.7%, a dye concentration of 1%, and a cell gap of 12 µm.

Fig. 3. (a) Electrically addressed DDPSCLC sample with 35 independent electrodes. (b) Designs for bottom and top electrodes. (c) Spatial switching of a selectively addressed DDPSCLC sample.

Fig. 4. (a) Schematic illustration showing the principle of the smart beam. (b) Voltages in the pixelated matrix and the pattern “arrow” on the receptor. (c) Switching effect of different voltage matrix patterns for the same sample.