Sub-microsecond Birefringence Modulation of Blue Phase Polymer-Templated Ferroelectric Nematic Liquid Crystal Induced by Voltage Reversal

Blue phase polymer-templated ferroelectric nematic liquid crystal (BPPT-FNLC) enables FNLC orientation in BP structures while retaining ferroelectricity. This study investigated their electro-optical properties, revealing a significant enhancement in the Kerr effect in the ferroelectric phase. In the ferroelectric phase, voltage polarity reversal induces rapid molecular reorientation due to polarization reversal, resulting in sub-microsecond birefringence switching. Moreover, under AC voltage, the material exhibits large birefringence modulation (∼0.05) at frequencies as high as ∼100 kHz. These findings establish BPPT-FNLC as a promising material for high-speed and polarized light-independent optical modulation, addressing the needs of advanced optoelectronic applications.