The expression "liquid crystals" seems to contradict itself because liquids and crystals are two entirely different states of matter. Traditionally, liquids are isotropic with no directional order and crystals have clearly defined directional order vectors that describe characteristics of the lattice structure.

Liquid crystals are sometimes referred to as the "fourth state" of matter following gases, liquids, and solids. When the actual structure of liquid crystals is examined, however, the name becomes appropriate. Liquid crystals have order in only one or two directions, hence they are still able to flow like liquids but exhibit some order parameters like solids (or crystals).

There is a wide spectrum of applications for liquid crystals ranging from simple thermometers to complex display screens for computers. Even biological systems employ liquid crystalline phases to help organize and condense processes such as chromosome formation.

Today, a variety of household products utilize liquid crystal devices to display data such as time, temperature, electronic settings, etc. Liquid crystals are found in many wrist watches, computer displays, TV and VCR displays, calculators, games, and automobiles.

Our liquid crystal collection is composed of about 400 images from a variety of liquid crystalline systems exhibiting many phases and textures. We are very interested in expanding this collection and are looking for lyotropic and room temperature thermotropic liquid crystal samples. We will be happy to exchange original photomicrographs of the liquid crystals for a short-term use of the samples. Please contact us if you have samples and are interested in this proposition.

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