Abstract
Abstract Using the half leaky guided mode geometry, we have studied the electroclinic effect using a thin homogeneously aligned layer of C8, a material having a first order SA to S∗C transition in the bulk. Application of voltage in the SA phase produces a small (< 12°), but easily measured director twist which is characterized over a range of temperatures in the SA phase. Mean field theory is used to interpret the data recorded. At low applied fields (6 V μm−1), a linear voltage dependence of induced twist is found. For higher applied fields there is a non-linear dependence which is caused by an induced first order SA to S∗C transition at these fields. Fitting the voltage dependent induced twist yields the first three Landau coefficients for this transition. The voltage dependent results also provide a procedure for determining the SA to S∗C phase transition.
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