Chiral photochemical induction in liquid crystals

Experiments carried out to induce chirality into liquid crystals by means of photochemical procedures are reviewed. After basic considerations on the techniques used to detect supramolecular chirality in such organizations, the present Feature Article is focused on chiral photoinduction experiments performed on calamitic, columnar and bent-shaped liquid crystals. The most intense research corresponds to calamitic systems, either photochromic polymers or systems doped with a photoactive chiral trigger. Only recently have investigations on columnar or bent-shaped liquid crystals begun to receive attention.