vätskristall

A liquid crystal is a state of matter that has properties between those of a conventional liquid and a solid crystal. Liquid crystals exhibit both fluidity and some degree of order in their molecular arrangement. They are often described as having a "mesophase," a state that exists between the liquid and solid phases. In this phase, molecules can flow like a liquid, but they also possess some directional orientation.

There are several types of liquid crystalline phases, with the most common being nematic, smectic, and cholesteric. In the nematic phase, molecules are generally aligned along a common direction, but their positions are not fixed. Smectic phases have more order, with molecules arranged in layers. Cholesteric phases, also known as chiral nematic phases, exhibit a helical structure.

The unique optical and electrical properties of liquid crystals have led to their widespread use in display technology, such as in liquid crystal displays (LCDs) found in televisions, computer monitors, and smartphones. The alignment of liquid crystal molecules can be controlled by an electric field, which in turn affects the passage of light, allowing for the creation of images. Other applications include thermometers, sensors, and optical switches.