RHX400 Hot Stage for Liquid Crystal Characterization
Introduction
Liquid crystal (LC) materials are the foundation of modern display, optical, and photonic technologies. Precise control and analysis of their alignment, phase transition, and electro-optical properties are essential for device optimization.
The Hexon RHX400 is a high-performance optical and thermal characterization system designed for research and industrial applications in liquid crystal materials and devices. It provides temperature-controlled optical microscopy, automated measurement, and real-time image analysis, making it ideal for LC studies.
System Overview
The Hexon RHX400 integrates high-resolution imaging, automated heating/cooling, and polarized light analysis in a compact platform. It supports multiple optical techniques and precision sample control to study LC phase transitions and texture evolution.
Key Features:
- Temperature range: Room Temperature to 400 °C
- Temperature accuracy: ±0.1 °C
- Compatible with transmission and reflection modes
- Polarization optics for nematic, smectic, and cholesteric phase observation
- Supports sample thickness up to 2 mm
- Compatible with standard microscope mounts (upright/inverted)
Application Areas
The RHX400 is widely applicable in LC material development and display component testing.
Application | Description |
Phase Transition Analysis | Observe and quantify phase changes (nematic–smectic, smectic–isotropic) with temperature. |
Alignment Studies | Evaluate LC orientation and alignment layer performance under polarized light. |
Electro-Optical Characterization | Combine with external electrical bias to study field-induced switching behavior. |
Material Screening | Rapid identification of LC compounds with desired mesophases. |
Polymer-LC Composites | Study polymer-stabilized or doped LC systems for advanced applications. |
Experimental Setup
The typical setup includes:
- Hexon RHX400 thermal stage with controller
- Polarizing optical microscope .
- Camera system for image capture and analysis software
- Sample in slide
The system includes Hexon’s MicroView software for real-time image logging, temperature ramp programming, and automated data recording.
Results Example
Sample: Ferroelectric liquid crystal (KCFLC 7S)
Procedure:
Heated from 35 °C to 115 °C at a rate of 1 °C/min under crossed polarizers.
Observation:
- Distinct birefringent texture visible between 35 °C and 115 °C and cooling cycle from 115 °C to 35 °C indicating the nematic phase.
- Nematic–isotropic transition observed near 115 °C, characterized by the disappearance of texture and reduction in optical contrast.
- Upon cooling, the texture pattern reappears, confirming reversible phase behaviour.
Outcome:
The RHX400 provides high-resolution, reproducible visualization of phase transitions with excellent thermal stability and optical contrast accuracy.
Conclusion
The Hexon RHX400 is a robust and precise instrument for comprehensive liquid crystal characterization. Its combination of accurate thermal control, optical imaging, and automated analysis enables rapid and reliable evaluation of LC materials for both R&D and production environments.
This system supports applications in:
- LC display material testing
- Phase transition studies
- Polymer-dispersed LC research
- Optical component evaluation
By integrating advanced imaging and temperature management, the RHX400 simplifies complex experiments while maintaining scientific accuracy and reproducibility.