Explore liquid crystal technology and its many applications

Liquid crystal technology is used every day, but its applications reach far beyond televisions and smartphones to protect people and products.

Important findings:

• What are liquid crystals?
• What is the science behind them
• What innovative products has SpotSee developed with this technology?
• What are the limitations and benefits of liquid crystal technology?
• How can SpotSee's product line improve everything from product safety to cold chain management?

Liquid crystal (LC) technology uses liquid crystals as a key component and offers remarkable versatility. One of the most common applications is in liquid crystal displays (LCDs) in electronic devices such as televisions, computer monitors and smartphones. More recently, the technology has been used in smart windows that can switch between transparent and opaque states. However, some of the most important applications of LC technology can be found in thermochromic devices, which are increasingly being used in healthcare for temperature monitoring, in supply chain management for monitoring conditions during transportation and in various industrial applications where precise temperature changes need to be tracked.

SpotSee® is a leading company specializing in solutions for condition monitoring technology using LC. It offers innovative products to monitor and indicate whether products or equipment have been mishandled during transportation or storage. One area in which SpotSee is particularly adept is in the development of temperature indicators to help companies monitor the condition of their goods and assets.

With cutting-edge technology, SpotSee's solutions provide real-time insight into potentially damaging conditions, allowing businesses to take action quickly and mitigate risk. In this article, we will explore liquid crystal technology, the science behind it, its pros and cons, and SpotSee's TLC thermometer.

What are liquid crystals

Liquid crystals (LCs) are unique states of matter that exhibit properties of both liquids and solids. They are anisotropic, which means that their properties vary depending on the direction of measurement. LCs consist of molecules that align in an ordered manner, typically along one or two preferred directions.

Thermotropic liquid crystals (TLCs), such as those used in SpotSee products, change their properties, including color, with temperature changes. A common type of thermotropic liquid crystal is the cholesteric liquid crystal, which has a helical structure. When light interacts with the helical structure, it is selectively reflected, resulting in colors. The specific reflected color depends on the pitch of the helix and can change with temperature. As the temperature increases, the pitch of the helix changes, resulting in a different reflected color.

Chiral nematic liquid crystals are another type of thermotropic liquid crystals that can show color changes with temperature. Like cholesteric liquid crystals, they also form helical structures that reflect certain wavelengths of light.

The science

Thermochromic behavior refers to the ability of certain materials to change color with changes in temperature. The mechanism behind this color change can vary depending on the specific material and its molecular structure. In general, it involves changes in the arrangement or conformation of the molecules, resulting in altered absorption or reflection properties of the light.

The molecular structure of thermochromic materials often contains functional groups that undergo reversible chemical reactions or physical changes in response to temperature changes. These changes lead to modifications in the electronic properties of the material that affect its absorption of light in the visible spectrum. In some thermochromic dyes, for example, electron-donating or electron-attracting groups can cause shifts in the absorption maxima, resulting in different perceived colors.

About TLCs

Thermochromic liquid crystals (TLCs) are a type of thermochromic material that exhibit unique behavior due to their liquid crystalline properties. TLCs consist of mesogenic (liquid crystalline) molecules with anisotropic shapes that spontaneously organize into ordered structures. The color change in TLCs is usually associated with changes in the arrangement of these mesogenic molecules.

There are three main types of TLC mixtures: cholesteric, chiral-nematic and combinations.

• Cholesteric TLCs contain mesogenic molecules organized in a helical structure, where the pitch (the distance required for complete rotation) of the helix and the orientation of the molecules determine the perceived color.
• Chiral nematic TLCs also have a helical structure, but with a fixed pitch, resulting in a color that depends on the orientation of the mesogenic molecules.
• Combinations of TLCs combine aspects of both cholesteric and chiral-nematic structures.

The temperature dependence of TLCs depends on the specific material and its molecular properties. Some TLCs can show immediate color changes with small temperature fluctuations, while others require significant temperature shifts. The accuracy of temperature measurement with TLCs depends on factors such as the calibration of the material, its stability and the temperature range over which it operates.

SpotSee's liquid crystal formulations can be formulated to respond to temperatures between -30°C (-22°F) and 120°C (248°F) and respond to temperature changes as small as 0.1°C (0.2°F). They are also accurate to +/- 1°C and can remain functional for several years if stored and used correctly.

SpotSee's liquid crystal products and their applications

SpotSee's LC product range offers solutions for various applications to serve different industries and needs:

• Cold chain: SpotSee's LC products help to monitor and ensure the integrity of temperature-sensitive goods during transportation, storage and distribution. These solutions provide real-time displays or temperature changes to prevent spoilage or damage in the cold chain.
• Temperature/Humidity: SpotSee's LC products monitor temperature and humidity levels in various environments, promoting safety and quality control.
• Disinfection/Sterilization/Food Safety: The LC range includes monitoring devices that help maintain cleanliness, sterilization and food safety. They provide reliable temperature, humidity and exposure verification to ensure compliance with strict standards and regulations.
• Forehead/Body Temperature: SpotSee's LC devices can accurately measure both forehead and body temperature. These solutions are useful in healthcare facilities and support fast and non-invasive temperature monitoring to detect fever or abnormal readings.
• Urine test strips: SpotSee's LC product range also includes urine test strips. BrightDot® strips provide fast and accurate results for various parameters and help healthcare professionals make informed decisions.
• Blood bag indicators: These show the time and temperature history of the blood unit. Once activated, the irreversible part changes from blue to non-blue as the blood temperature rises and time passes. Once the indicator has lost its blue color, it will not return to its original color even if the blood unit is recalibrated. This guarantees the user the time and temperature history of the unit.

In addition to the above applications, SpotSee's LC products can be used in other areas, such as non-destructive testing, to detect faults or irregularities without causing damage. They are also excellent for thermal mapping to gain insight into temperature distribution and identify hot or cold spots.

The LC series from SpotSee is not just limited to industrial applications. It is also used in education, where liquid crystal blocks enable hands-on learning and experimentation. The LC range also includes customizable solutions for promotional and decorative purposes that enhance brand experiences and aesthetics.

In-depth insight: TLC thermometers from SpotSee

SpotSee's TLC thermometers are innovative temperature monitoring devices that offer a variety of functions, and some of their applications may surprise you.

A popular application of SpotSee's TLC thermometers is the monitoring of aquarium and room temperatures. These thermometers are used by fish keepers and pet owners to maintain the ideal temperature for aquatic life and ensure the comfort of their pets. With their high accuracy, TLC thermometers help to create the perfect environment for different types of organisms.

Another popular area of application is the medical field. These thermometers are often used in hospitals, clinics and healthcare facilities to monitor the temperature of patients. Whether checking body temperature during a routine examination or monitoring fever, SpotSee's TLC thermometers provide accurate and reliable readings.

Industrial temperature monitoring is another area where SpotSee's TLC thermometers shine. These thermometers are used in various industrial environments such as manufacturing plants, warehouses and laboratories to monitor temperature readings and ensure optimal operating conditions. By tracking temperatures in real time, TLC thermometers help prevent damage to sensitive equipment and ensure the safety of workers.

The advantages

There are numerous benefits to using SpotSee's TLC thermometers:

• They offer high accuracy and ensure precise temperature measurements. This accuracy is crucial when precision is of great importance, such as in medical applications or industrial processes.
• SpotSee's TLC thermometers are cost effective. They provide a reliable and durable temperature monitoring solution without the need for frequent replacement or maintenance, saving time and money.
• Real-time temperature monitoring for immediate detection of deviations or anomalies. This timely information allows users to take immediate corrective action, prevent potential problems and mitigate risks.

TLC benefits and limitations

LCs offer amazing benefits, but also have limitations. However, the advantages of using LCs, such as their sensitivity to temperature changes, reusability and versatility, make them valuable materials in various fields. Ongoing research and development is focused on improving their stability, expanding their applications and overcoming their limitations.

• Advantage: Sensitivity to temperature changes. Liquid crystals (LCs) change their molecular arrangement based on temperature fluctuations. This property makes them useful in various applications such as temperature sensors, thermochromic materials and liquid crystal displays (LCDs).
• Advantage: Reusability and longevity: LCs return to their original state after being exposed to external stimuli such as temperature or electric fields. This makes them reusable and durable, reduces waste and increases their value in many industries.
• Advantage: Versatility in various applications: LCs have many applications, including LCDs for televisions, mobile devices and computer monitors. Their unique properties also make them suitable for optical switches, laser beam control and smart windows.
• Restriction: Sensitivity to environmental factors. LCs can be sensitive to environmental factors such as ultraviolet (UV) light and solvents. UV light can degrade the properties of LCs, resulting in reduced performance over time. Certain solvents can dissolve LCs and limit their use in certain environments.
• Restriction: Degradation over time: Although LCs can have a long life, they are not immune to degradation. Temperature, mechanical stress and ageing can affect their properties and performance. Researchers are constantly working to develop more stable and durable LC materials to solve this problem.

The importance of LC technology

LC technology is important for various industries due to its unique properties and applications. It offers innovative solutions for real-time monitoring and tracking of critical parameters. SpotSee, a pioneer and market leader in LC applications, has made a tremendous contribution to this technology and continues to drive advancements in various industries.

SpotSee has introduced temperature indicators and recorders that use LC technology to enable accurate temperature monitoring during storage and transportation. This ensures that goods and products remain within the required temperature range. This is crucial for pharmaceuticals, food and chemicals where temperature control is critical to protect product integrity and consumer safety.

By using SpotSee's LC-based solutions, you benefit from real-time monitoring, accurate data analysis and precise control of critical parameters. This enables you to make informed decisions and gives you the peace of mind that your assets are being effectively monitored and protected.

Don't miss out on the opportunities offered by SpotSee's LC technology. Use SpotSee's cutting-edge LC solutions to drive innovation, optimize your operations and stay at the forefront of your industry. Let SpotSee be your partner to achieve success and excellence in your field. Simply fill out our form and we will get back to you shortly.