Abstract
In this chapter, we analyze electrocaloric response in liquid crystals. In the vicinity of phase transitions, one expects large entropy changes and large electrocaloric responses. Therefore, we focus on the electrocaloric effect at the isotropic-nematic (I−N) and direct isotropic smectic A (I-SmA) phase transition. In a theoretical study, we use a Landau-de Gennes-Ginzburg mesoscopic approach, where nematic and smectic orders are described by the nematic tensor and smectic complex order parameter, respectively. In an experimental study, we investigate the EC response in 8CB and 12CB liquid crystals using high-resolution calorimetry. In the theoretical analysis, we determine regimes where the strongest EC effects are expected. These predictions are confirmed experimentally. In particular, we obtained the largest EC-driven temperature change in liquid crystals so far, where the temperature change equals roughly 6.5K.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
