Single molecule fluorescence investigates the heterogeneity of liquid crystal matrix.

Liquid crystals are attracted for their existence of unique meso-phase between solid state and liquid state. We perform the single-molecule (SM) fluorescence investigation on the thermotropic liquid crystal matrix. Using the nm size fluorescent quantum dots as a probe, it allows us to investigate the local structural and dynamic heterogeneity in the liquid crystal matrix. Controlling the temperature allows us to probe how the local behaviors differ at different meso-phases. Fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) as well as the intensity time trace analysis indicate the much more heterogeneity in the liquid crystal phase than the other phases.