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Determination of liquid crystal-to-wall anchoring anisotropy by the surface-plasmon polariton technique

Journal Article · · J. Appl. Phys.; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.330060· OSTI ID:6751618

Based on the Oseen and Frank elastic continuum theory of nematic liquid crystals, and on a generalized torque balance equation at the interface, the magnitude and the gradient of the tilt angle of liquid crystal molecules at the interface have been calculated in a homogeneous cell as a function of applied voltage and liquid crystal-to-wall anchoring anisotropy C. Consequently, the reflectivities associated with the excitation of the surface-plasmon polariton propagating along the liquid crystal-to-wall interface can be evaluated for comparison with experimental results to determine a value for C. Numerical computations of reflectivities have been shown to fit the experimental results of Sprokel, Santo, and Swalen (Mol. Cryst. Liq. Cryst. 68, 29 (1981)). An average value of 0.11 +- 0.05 ergs/cm/sup 2/ for C has been deduced.

Research Organization:
IBM Thomas J. Watson Research Center, Yorktown Heights, New York 10598
OSTI ID:
6751618
Journal Information:
J. Appl. Phys.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Appl. Phys.; (United States) Vol. 53:10; ISSN JAPIA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English