Observation of polarization conflict caused by geometrical phase in a twisted nematic liquid crystal cell

We analyze the optical effects associated with an adiabatic rotation of a plane of polarization in a twisted nematic liquid crystal. The experimental verification was performed with a cell with linear rubbing of a front surface and circular rubbing of a rear surface. The expectations of the liquid crystal's orientation defect origin along the line of the maximum tension and a polarization conflict caused by geometrical phase are confirmed.