A novel electro‐optic effect has been observed in thin homeotropic nematic layers. Electrodes, such as a pair of parallel lines, are located on a planar surface in contact with the liquid. Deformation of the homeotropic ordering occurs when the applied field exceeds a threshold strength. Induced optical birefringence and diffraction have been observed, and electrically controlled optical transmission and reflection have been attained. Experimental data are given for a cyano‐aniline mixture with and for negative‐anisotropy materials.
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“Positive” means and “negative” means where is the dielectric anisotropy
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The surfaces were prepared as in Ref. 1.
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We use the notation of F. J. Kahn in which d is the nematic sample director, z is the normal to the sample plates, E is the applied field in the liquid, and is the orientation of d at
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Synthesized by M. J. Rafuse of our laboratory.
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Eastman organic chemical No. 11 643.
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These small d values were measured using a Babinet‐Soleil compensator and a homeotropic sample (same nematic) of known thickness, e.g., 25 μm. The known sample is tilted between crossed polarizers and the induced δ determined with the compensator. The δ‐vs‐tilt measurement is repeated with the unknown (d′) sample. Then the phase comparison is used.
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© 1973 American Institute of Physics.
1973
American Institute of Physics
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