33.4: The Effect of Monomer Functionality on HPDLC Performance and Aging

Materials selection plays an extremely important role in the performance and aging characteristics of holographic polymer dispersed liquid crystals (HPDLC). A strong dependence of electro-optic performance and aging properties on monomer functionality is reported. Materials formed with lower functionality monomers exhibited better long-term optical and drive-voltage characteristics than those formed from higher functionality monomers. These aging characteristics are linked to different polymer morphologies.