Abstract

The speed of electro-optic switching in the surface stabilized ferroelectric liquid crystal (SSFLC) cell is dependent upon the polarization density and orientational viscosity of the FLC material. These properties are, of course, related to the chemical structure of the FLC components. In an effort to design new, high performance FLC materials in a directed way, we have developed a stereochemical model for the molecular origins of the polarization based upon the concept that the polarization is a manifestation of a novel form of molecular recognition occurring in the FLC phase.1 Recent results of work aimed at testing this model will be described. Specifically, a novel series of chiral fluorinated FLC components have been prepared and characterized with respect to polarization, viscosity and electro-optic response. Comparison of the properties of diastereomeric materials provides experimental evidence for the details of orientation of organic functional groups occurring in the FLC phase.

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