Kent State University

James T Gleeson

Peter Palffy-Muhoray

Antal Jakli

John Ernest Harden, Jr

Samuel Sprunt

Joshua S Martin

There are provided methods for creating energy conversion devices based on the giant flexoelectric effect in non-calamitic liquid crystals. By preparing a substance comprising at least one type of non-calamitic liquid crystal molecules and stabilizing the substance to form a mechanically flexible material, flexible conductive electrodes may be applied to the material to create an electro-mechanical energy conversion device which relies on the giant flexoelectric effect to produce electrical and/or mechanical energy that is usable in such applications as, for example, power sources, energy dissipation, sensors/transducers, and actuators.

Method of determining a flexoelectric effect in a liquid crystal material

Electro-mechanical energy conversion devices and systems

Method of creating an electro-mechanical energy conversion device

A method for producing a diffraction grating is provided. First, a mixture including nematic liquid crystal, dopant, and polymerizable precursor is introduced between two electrically conductive substrates having alignment layers for inducing orientation of the liquid crystal director. A potential difference is applied across the liquid crystal to cause a spontaneous self-assembly of the liquid crystal into an array of convective rolls. Thereafter, the roll structure is stabilized by the creation of a polymeric network through polymerization and/or cross-linking of the polymerizable precursor. The convective roll structure serves as a template for the formation of the polymeric network.

Electro-convective diffractive device

A method for generating random numbers includes the steps of providing a liquid crystal cell containing a liquid crystal material, wherein a potential difference is applied across said liquid crystal material to cause a chaotic turbulent flow. The resulting flow or physical result of the liquid crystal material is measured to generate a baseline measurement, and subsequently the at least one physical property is measured again to generate a plurality of reading measurements. Determining the difference between each of the reading measurements and the baseline measurement, and setting bits based on the differences generates a sequence of random numbers. An apparatus for generating random numbers is also disclosed. These truly random numbers may then be used to encrypt data prior to transmission.

Random number generator based on turbulent convection

Growing community of inventors

Kent, OH, United States of America

James T Gleeson