Spectral features of the dispersion of carbocyanine dye J-aggregates in a liquid crystal matrix

Formation of J-aggregates of the anionic cyanine dye TDBC in a nematic liquid crystal (LC) matrix is reported, with analysis of optical-fluorescent and electro-optical properties of the obtained novel material. The TDBC J-aggregates show a rather long lifetime and high photostability in the nematic matrix. The electro-optical characteristics of the LC matrix are substantially modified, with the Fredericks transition threshold slightly increased, which is, on the other hand, accompanied by the improvement of the optical contrast. Only a minor effect of the forming J-aggregates on the molecular order of the LC structure could be noted.