Three-dimensional morphology of LCPC using confocal fluorescence microscopy

We have developed a new method for characterizing morphology of LCPC based on confocal fluorescence microscopy. Not only two-dimensional but also three-dimensional morphology of LCPC can be observed nondestructively by this method. The morphology of LCPC was consisted of liquid crystal and polymer phases, both of which are three-dimensionally continuous. Quantitative analysis of morphology was also made to clarify the relation between morphology and electro-optical characteristics. The local size of structure was obtained quantitatively from the perimeter of liquid crystal and polymer, it was found that the change in the value matched well with the change in morphology and it was related with the electro-optical characteristics.