Ferroelectric, pyroelectric and electro-optic properties of a chiral side chain copolymer with high polarization and a broad C* phase

The synthetic route to a chiral side chain copolymer exhibiting broad smectic phases is described. The copolymer shows a smectic C* phase from below room temperature up to 105°C. Ferroelectric properties of this copolymer are reported as well as results showing electroclinic switching. The pyroelectric effect and the dielectric behaviour of the copolymer are also demonstrated.