First-order Freedericksz transition in the presence of light-driven feedback in nematic liquid crystals

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

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.63.060701· OSTI ID:40203370

Clerc, M G; Residori, S; Riera, C S

We show that feedback, which introduces a dependence of the electric field on the liquid-crystal director, renders the Freedericksz transition first order. Experimentally, the feedback is introduced as a light loop in a liquid-crystal light valve. Theoretically, we include the feedback term into the Frank free energy and we derive an amplitude equation that is valid close to the transition. The theoretical description is in qualitative agreement with the experimental observations. Depending on the values of the feedback parameters, both theory and experiment exhibit bistability, propagation of fronts, and a Maxwell point.

• Sponsoring Organization: (US)
• OSTI ID: 40203370
• Journal Information: Physical Review E, Vol. 63, Issue 6; Other Information: DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevE.63.060701; Othernumber: PLEEE8000063000006060701000001; R13105PRE; 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
AMPLITUDES
ELECTRIC FIELDS
FEEDBACK
FREE ENERGY
LIQUID CRYSTALS