Multilayered Liquid Crystal Formed Through Phase Separation Exhibits Multiple Colors

A technique for fabricating multilayered liquid crystals could potentially replace the color-shifting ink used for preventing forgery of bank notes, ID cards, and other items. Developed jointly by researchers at the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) and the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), the liquid crystals can exhibit diverse optical characteristics from having multiple layers. To make such a material, each layer must be built on top of the one before it in a controlled manner. The researchers developed a technology for this complex process.