Self-assembly in chiral nematic liquid crystal

Small molecule chiral nematic LCs contain a variety of defect lines which can cause aggregation of polymers, nanoparticles and small molecule materials such as fluorescent dyes. While normal dyes suffer aggregation induced quenching a class of propeller-like dyes display aggregation induced emission (AIE), which makes them an ideal material for cholesteric lasers. Nanoparticle dispersion is necessary for switchability, while aggregation can be used as a tool to produce assembled structures. Here we discuss strategies to promote or inhibit aggregation of various materials in chiral nematics.