Abstract
A new reorientation effect in nematic liquid crystals of discotic molecules has been observed and investigated for the first time, which occurs under the combined influence of DC-electrical and optical fields. It is shown that illumination with intensities as low as 10−3 W/cm2 is sufficient for a strong photo-induced reorientation process, indicating a rather large nonlinear optical coefficient. The dependence of photoexcitation upon the applied voltage as well as from intensity and wavelength of the light wave has been investigated. Furthermore, a first model will be discussed, which explains the experimental observations to result from photo-induced space charge fields which enhance the electrical field-induced reorientation of the discotic molecules.
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