Stressed states in domain switching of ferroelectric liquid crystal devices

In this paper we show that the director profile of a low pre-tilt surface stabilized ferroelectric liquid crystal passes through quasi-static stressed states during domain switching under direct drive conditions. Using polarized stroboscopic microscopy, we have observed two quasi-static transmission levels during a domain switching transition from dark to light. This is a result of the directors reorienting into stressed profiles both before and after the chevron interface has switched. By modelling the interaction between the elastic forces and the torque from the applied field, we have determined these voltage dependent director profiles and, by calculating their corresponding transmissivities, have shown very good agreement with the experimentally observed values.     

Sub‐millisecond transient vertical chevron formation during the electroclinic effect in the smectic A∗ phase

X‐ray diffraction studies are carried out in order to probe the smectic layer structure in liquid crystal devices filled with FLC mixture SCE8 and AFLC mixture CS4001, at a temperature just above the SmA?–SmC? phase transtion. The data gathered are time‐resolved in synchronization with a bipolar voltage pulse applied across the device. The layers are observed to move dynamically and reversibly with voltage application and removal, giving evidence for temporary vertical chevron formation due to the electroclinic effect on a timescale consistent with this phenomenon.     

Modelling of switching in surface-stabilized ferroelectric liquid crystal cells using a three-variable model in one dimension

The switching process in ferroelectric liquid crystal devices takes place through the formation and evolution of domains, which is modelled here using a three-variable approach. This approach includes variation of the director profile in one dimension, through the thickness of the cell. Here we discuss details of the model which are necessary in order to reproduce the domain nucleation and switching times as a function of applied voltage for both monopolar and bipolar pulses. We show that the three-variable modelling of SSFLC switching in one dimension produces excellent comparisons with experimental data for both bipolar and monopolar pulses.     

Optical studies of dynamic director configurations in ferroelectric liquid crystal devices

An investigation into the transmission spectrum of a ferroelectric liquid crystal device is undertaken. This is done both for an initial static state and during a switching process. Comparisons are made between experimental data and theoretical predictions. The dynamic internal director configurations in the device is shown to be consistent with a simple model during both monopolar and bipolar addressing pulses.     

Overtone spectroscopy of some benzaldehyde derivatives

Overtone spectrum of o, m and p-nitrobenzaldehydes and p-chlorobenzaldehyde has been studied in 2000–12000 cm⁻¹ region. Vibrational frequencies and anharmonicity constants for aryl as well as alkyl CH stretch vibrations have been determined. We have also determined the internuclear distances for the aryl CH bond in the different molecules. The small variation observed in these distances is an indication of the substitution effect. It is observed that in the case of p-disubstituted benzens, the shift in aryl CH bond is proportional to sum of the Hammet σ of the substituents. However in the case of o-disubstituted benzenes it is only 80% of the para-substituted shift.     

Determination of the difference of flexoelectric coefficients in a nematic liquid crystal using a conoscopic technique

The conoscopic images of twisted nematic liquid crystal devices filled with E7 are analysed under the application of in-plane electric fields. The differences observed between the images for positive and negative applied fields are attributed to the flexoelectric effect. By comparison of the conoscopic images with theoretical predictions made using an extended Jones technique, the sign and magnitude of the difference between the splay and bend flexoelectric coefficients is determined for E7.     

The alignment of a liquid crystal in the smectic A phase in a high surface tilt cell

Liquid crystal alignment is studied using propagating optical mode techniques for a cell with a high surface tilt SiO alignment. The director configuration is determined for both the nematic and smectic A phases. In the nematic phase a uniform splay across the cell is demonstrated, as predicted by continuum theory. In the smectic A phase the structure is seen to be nearly uniform in the central region of the cell with large splay in boundary layers of about 0.5 μm thickness. The reason for this appears to be competition between the tilted surface alignment forces and internal forces within the bulk of the smectic A layer which would induce a homogeneous configuration.