Introduction: new directions in liquid crystal science

Abstract

While we are all familiar with liquid crystal displays, an industry currently worth more than $60 billion yr ⁻¹ and growing rapidly, fewer people are aware of the breadth of the subject of liquid crystals—one that represents the study of the fourth state of matter. Liquid crystals are found as essential elements in biological systems, soaps and detergents, sensor technologies and in the manipulation of electromagnetic radiation of various wavelengths. This meeting was designed to highlight both the truly multidisciplinary nature of liquid crystal science and to feature those areas away from electro-optic displays; these issues are developed and summarized in more detail.