Twist elastic constant in the SmC* phase of an antiferroelectric liquid crystal with and without photo-polymer networks.

Abstract

Chiral liquid crystalline phases with pitches that are comparable to visible wavelengths, all Bragg-reflect visible light. We measured Bragg reflections from the chiral SmC* phase of the antiferroelectric liquid crystal (AFLC), AS612, and explored how applied electric fields and polymer networks modify these reflections. From the critical field that unwinds the helix and destroys Bragg reflections, the twist elastic constant of the SmC* phase is determined. We estimate from this result, the elastic constant of polymer network, which when introduced into the liquid crystal matrix, fixes the helical pitch (and hence, Bragg peaks). These parameters are crucial for designing both FLC and AFLC displays since networks enhance the mechanical properties of the liquid crystal host while not affecting their optical properties.