Optical reconfiguration of the blue phase in liquid crystalline elastomers

Liquid crystalline elastomers (LCEs) have been a topic of significant interest, largely motivated by their compelling performance as material actuators. Here, we detail distinctive optical reconfiguration of solid LCE compositions based on the cubic blue phases. These phases are retained in the LCE composition and exhibit selective reflection attributable to a periodic lattice superstructure. Strain-induced tuning of the selective reflection is detailed, associated with dimensional changes to lattice parameters. These materials exhibit mechanical properties that diverge from those observed within cholesteric LCEs. The influence of preparation conditions on the retention of the blue phase as well as processing conditions to increase platelet size will be discussed.