National Nanotechnology Infrastructure Network

Liquid crystals are matter that has properties between those of a liquid and a solid. Liquid crystals may flow like a liquid but have crystals like a solid.colors of the objects are Color is the outcome of various light properties: absorption, refraction, or reflection. In the case of liquid crystals, the reflection and refraction takes place from the nanosize helices. As the stimulus changes (temperature, humidity, etc.) the pitch of the helix changes and so does the reflection. These helices are actually stacks of layers of liquid crystals that rotate in response to temperature. This lesson explores the temperature response of liquid crystals.