Abstract

Unique electro-optical properties of the oblique helicoidal cholesteric (Ch_{OH}) stem from its heliconical director structure. An applied electric field preserves the single-harmonic modulation of the director while tuning the Ch_{OH} period and the corresponding Bragg-peak wavelength within a broad spectral range. We use the response of Ch_{OH} to the electric field to measure the elastic constants of twist K_{22} and bend K_{33} directly in the cholesteric phase. The temperature dependencies of K_{22} and K_{33} allow us to determine the range of the electric tunability of the Ch_{OH} pitch and the heliconical angle. The data are important for understanding how molecular composition and chirality influence macroscopic elastic properties of the chiral liquid crystals and for the development of Ch_{OH}-based optical devices.

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 call

Disclaimer: 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.