List of Plates ix Preface to the Second Edition xi Preface to the First Edition xiii Acknowledgments xv 1. What Are Liquid Crystals? 1 2. The Story of Liquid Crystals 18 3. Electric and Magnetic Field Effects 28 4. Light and Nematic Liquid Crystals 46 5. Light and X-rays in Other Types of Liquid Crystals 62 6. Liquid Crystal Displays 82 7. LCD Technology and Other Applications 107 8. Lyotropic Liquid Crystals 133 9. Polymer Liquid Crystals 149 10. Theories, Defects, and Fluid Lattices 167 11. Biological Importance of Liquid Crystals 186 Suggestions for Further Reading 199 Index 201
Peter J. Collings is the Morris L. Clothier Professor of Physics and Chair of the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Swarthmore College. He has conducted experimental research on liquid crystals for more than twenty-five years. He is the coauthor of introduction to Liquid Crystals: Chemistry and Physics and the coeditor of Handbook of Liquid Crystal Research.
"Peter Collings ... has done an admirable job of producing a readable, technically sound, and enjoyable book... The author's style is engaging, readable, and frequently entertaining. The organization of topics is excellent."--American Journal of Physics "A wonderful and readable book about an intriguing subject written in a lively, clear, and enthusiastic manner... Collings provides an ideal introduction by using clear and simple illustrations and a minimum of mathematical innovations."--Choice "This new edition is one of the best introductory resources on this class of unique molecules... Highly recommended for its engaging style and interesting subject matter."--Choice "The first edition of this text was very well received, and provided the first basic introduction to liquid crystals for newcomers to the field and students... This edition will find similar popularity."--Andrew Cammidge, Chemistry & Industry
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