Molecular orientation near the surface of a smectic liquid crystal cell showing V-shaped switching by means of attenuated total internal reflection ellipsometry

Journal Article · Fri Jun 01 00:00:00 EDT 2001 · Physical Review E

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.63.061703· OSTI ID:40203263

Ikeda, Shinya; Ogasawara, Toyokazu; Nakata, Michi; Takanishi, Yoichi; Ishikawa, Ken; Takezoe, Hideo

Attenuated total internal reflection ellipsometry was used to probe the molecular orientation and switching near the surface of a smectic liquid crystal cell showing V-shaped switching. We find that the switching occurs collectively near the surface as in the bulk. The molecules form a twisted state, but the twist angle relative to the bulk layer normal is small because of compensating twist of the smectic layer normal. As a result, a rather uniform molecular orientation is produced, resulting in high extinction and a high contrast ratio in the absence of a field.

• Sponsoring Organization: (US)
• OSTI ID: 40203263
• Journal Information: Physical Review E, Vol. 63, Issue 6; Other Information: DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevE.63.061703; Othernumber: PLEEE8000063000006061703000001; 048106PRE; PBD: Jun 2001; ISSN 1063-651X
• Publisher: The American Physical Society
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
ELLIPSOMETRY
LIQUID CRYSTALS
ORIENTATION
PROBES
REFLECTION