Exploring Liquid Crystal Nanocomposites for Enhanced Photodetection

Current photodetection technologies face challenges in achieving high efficiency and stability. Existing gap lies in limited exploration of new nanoparticles and nanocomposite structures, specifically Liquid Crystal Nanocomposites (LCNs), which offer tunable properties but have yet to reach their full potential in photodetection applications. Addressing these gaps is crucial for advancing sensor and optical device performance. This study investigates potential of LCNs for enhanced photodetection, focusing on optimizing diffraction efficiency and stability. Analysis of diffracted Stokes parameters (S0D, S1D, S2D, S0T, S1T, S2T) across various materials (Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA), Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), Norland Optical Adhesive 65 (NOA65), 4-Cyano-4'-pentylbiphenyl (5CB)) in this work have identified optimal grating thicknesses for peak performance. Results showed that materials like PVA and 5CB exhibit peak diffraction efficiency at grating thicknesses of 1400nm to 1600nm, while MLC- 6608 demonstrates extended stability beyond 2000nm. This research bridges gap by providing a detailed understanding of material performance, enabling targeted advancements in hybrid nanomaterials and advanced composites.