Random lasing in liquid crystals: advances, challenges, and future directions

Random lasing in liquid crystals is an emerging field that combines the unique optical properties of liquid crystals with the fascinating behaviour of random lasers. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the basic principles of random lasing, highlights the unique properties of liquid crystals, and examines strategies for optimizing laser performance in this context. Furthermore, we discuss the promising applications of liquid crystal-based random lasers across diverse fields, including telecommunications, display technologies, and sensing. Despite significant progress, challenges persist in enhancing the reliability and operational stability of these systems. To address these issues, we outline potential research directions, such as integrating random lasers into new technologies and developing novel liquid crystal materials. These initiatives have the potential to drive breakthrough innovations in photonics and related fields.