Chiral smectic A liquid crystal materials of the de Vries type (with molecules tilted relative to the layer normal) exhibit analog field-induced (electroclinic) optic axis rotation accompanied by an increase in birefringence. We identify two such de Vries smectic materials and use them to develop and test models for these characteristic electro-optic effects. These materials also exhibit colossal analog field-induced optic axis rotation in the lower temperature smectic phase, a consequence of polarization charge stabilization, and of polarization screening of the applied field in the liquid crystal.
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© 2002 American Institute of Physics.
2002
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