cholesteric

[kuh-les-ter-ik, koh-luh-ster-ik]

adjective

Chemistry, Physics.

1. of or relating to a form of liquid crystal having molecules arranged in thick, regular layers, and displaying marked color effects, especially in polarized light.

Word History and Origins

Origin of cholesteric¹

cholester(ol) + -ic

Example Sentences

In the latter, the molecular ordering associated with different crystal phases — such as cholesteric, nematic and smectic phases — and, in particular, the anchoring of liquid crystals to surfaces can lead to diverse behaviour of Casimir-like forces9.

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It is also possible that the torque sensor could be made from a cholesteric liquid crystal.

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Temperature sensors based on the temperature sensitivity of light reflection from cholesteric liquid crystals have been used for decades.

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The Casimir torque would further twist, or untwist, the cholesteric crystal’s structure, affecting the selective light reflection in a way that should be detectable.

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