Liquid crystals book a hit in Japan
A pair of University of Southampton academics have become popular authors in Japan with the publication of their book on the history of liquid crystals.
Professor of Mathematics
Tim Sluckin
and retired Professor of Chemistry David Dunmur have recently seen their book Soap, Science & Flat-Screen TVs being translated into Japanese.
The duo worked with co-author and research collaborator Dr Kazu Toriyama on the Japanese edition of the book that has gone on to sell well in the Far Eastern country. Japan played a significant role in the development of liquid crystals being used in flat-screen TVs.
The book was originally published in the UK in 2010 and tells the story of the development of liquid crystals from their discovery in the 19th century to the major impact they now have on our everyday lives in the form of flat-screen TVs.
As well as the scientific side of the work, the book also extensively explores the social impact the research of liquid crystals has had both on the people who developed them and the people who use them today.
“It is not just a publication about the research of liquid crystals but a human story as the people involved in developing this work really come alive,” said Tim.
Tim and David are delighted that their book has been received well both in the UK and Japan. They have recently returned from visiting Japan where they publicised the book and joined Kazu giving an address to the Japanese liquid crystal society.