Nematic phase

The nematic phase is a state of liquid crystals where the molecules are elongated and align mostly in the same direction, creating a kind of directional order. Unlike solids, these molecules can still flow freely, like a liquid. This phase is essential in liquid crystal displays (LCDs), as the uniform alignment of molecules can be controlled with electricity to modulate light. While the molecules are ordered in their direction, they do not have fixed positions, allowing the material to remain fluid and flexible, combining characteristics of both liquids and ordered structures.