Electro-optic effect in an optically active nematic chiral liquid-crystal structure

Abstract

A new electro-optic effect in an optically active nematic chiral structure beyond Mauguin's region has been studied. The effect is revealed in the absence of oscillations of the transmission-voltage curve, low requirements for orienting surfaces, and the ability to function at any direction of polarization of incident light. The limit relationships among wavelength, helical path, and optical anisotropy of the nematic matrix are determined. The dispersion properties of the effect are studied, and the possibility of its application for white-light modulation is shown as well. The control voltage is 6 V, and the time of switching is 50 µs.