Abstract

Abstract We present a novel method for spatially resolved measurements of the amplitudes of thermal fluctuations and surface pretilt angles in thin cells filled with nematic liquid crystals (LC). We use the idea that the dynamical response of the director field during a switching process critically depends on the initial conditions of the director field which vary over the cell plane. The applied switching voltage acts as an amplifier which augments initial director deformations by orders of magnitude. By means of a CCD line scan camera combined with a polarizing microscope, we study the time dependence of the optical transmission curves. Their slopes give information on viscoelastic parameters whereas their delay can be related directly to the initial director angle.

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.