Work

Twisted nematic liquid crystal for fast-response reconfigurable microwave applications

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Ultralow latency is an essential requirement in future wireless networks. It is mainly attributed to response time of reconfigurable devices such as phase shifters. Liquid Crystals (LC) can be used for such devices to achieve tunability with two distinct modes—Anti-Parallel (AP) and Twisted Nematic (TN). The mechanism between orientation of LC molecules and response time was investigated. LC with TN configuration turns out to have a faster response time than the more conventional use of AP. A phase shifter design operating in the frequency range of X-band was examined by carrying out the two schemes for initial LC molecules anchoring. We investigated the influence of these configurations on key performance metrics including the response time and the maximum differential phase shift, Δ ϕ max . Experimental results consolidated that the TN configuration reduced the response time by 50% and decreased the differential phase shift, Δ ϕ max , by 32% than the AP configuration. The reason behind it was explained with a theoretical inference. The findings unleashed potential of LC-based phase shifters with a TN configuration for applications where a small latency time is desired.

Source: Journal of Physics D Applied Physics

DOI: 10.1088/1361-6463/ade5ff

Authors: Bassem Meddeb, Yongwei Zhang

Institution: Nantong University

Language: English

Topic: Liquid Crystal Research Advancements

Subfield: Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,325

Funder: National Natural Science Foundation of China