Simulation, system analysis, and optimization of nematic bipolar droplet in polymer dispersed liquid crystal films

Polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) films play an important role in liquid crystal display technology. PDLC films are used in devices such as switchable windows, complex billboards, and flat panel televisions. PDLC films consist of nematic bipolar droplets dispersed randomly in a polymer matrix. In this work, the effect of droplet shape, physical properties, and external field strength is examined on the performance of PDLC films. Finite element method (FEM) and finite difference method (FDM) are used to model a single droplet with external field applied parallel to the droplet axis of symmetry. Results of previous simulations with FEM are reproduced and compared with those with FDM. Genetic algorithm is employed to determine the optimum aspect ratio, and elastic constant ratio for the droplet, and external field strength with respect to minimum energy, response time, and relaxation time.