Effect of light on the polarization of a banana-shaped achiral compound doped with a photoactive azobenzene material
We report photoinduced effects on a liquid crystal comprising of bent-core molecules, doped with a photoactive azobenzene compound and exhibiting the recently discovered {open_quotes}banana{close_quotes} B{sub 2} mesophase. The photoisomerization of the azobenzene molecules, brought about by the UV radiation, hardly changes the B{sub 2}-isotropic transition temperatures, but has a significant influence on the spontaneous polarization (Ps) as well as the switching time in the B{sub 2} phase. The efficiency of this opto-polarization effect has been observed to be strongly dependent on the temperature at which the irradiation is carried out. A possible mechanism responsible for the observed phenomenon has been suggested. {copyright} 2001 American Institute of Physics.
- Sponsoring Organization:
- (US)
- OSTI ID:
- 40204329
- Journal Information:
- Journal of Applied Physics, Vol. 90, Issue 1; Other Information: DOI: 10.1063/1.1376408; Othernumber: JAPIAU000090000001000048000001; 062113JAP; PBD: 1 Jul 2001; ISSN 0021-8979
- Publisher:
- The American Physical Society
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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