  We have developed a new type of target for intense laser-matter experiments
that offers significant advantages over those currently in use. The targets
consist of a liquid crystal film freely suspended within a metal frame. They
can be formed rapidly on-demand with thicknesses ranging from nanometers to
micrometers, where the particular value is determined by the liquid crystal
temperature and initial volume as well as by the frame geometry. The liquid
crystal used for this work, 8CB (4'-octyl-4-cyanobiphenyl), has a vapor
pressure below $10^{-6}$ Torr, so films made at atmospheric pressure maintain
their initial thickness after pumping to high vacuum. Additionally, the volume
per film is such that each target costs significantly less than one cent to
produce. The mechanism of film formation and relevant physics of liquid
crystals are described, as well as ion acceleration data from the first shots
on liquid crystal film targets at the Ohio State University Scarlet laser
facility.
