This project will be carried out in collaboration with Dr. Antal Jakli's labs at the Liquid Crystal Institute at Kent State University. We will work on newly synthesized Y-shaped liquid crystal molecules. These materials are synthesized in Dr. Robert Twieg's laboratory at KSU's Chemistry Department and as yet, have not been investigated. The physical investigations of these new molecules will involve characterization of phase behavior by polarizing optical microscope, and measurement of their dielectric properties, viscosity and elastic constants. Once the physical properties are understood, the applications of these materials can be developed.