One-dimensional dielectric-flexoelectric deformations in nematic layers

A. Derzhanski , A.G. Petrov , M. D. Mitov

A general theoretical framework for a unified description of various flexoelectric effects in uniform d.c. electric fields is developed. With this framework four basic geometries are studied theoretically as follows : a) homeotropic layer under the action of a d.c. electric field normal to the optic axis ; b) homeotropic layer and parallel electric field; c) planar layer and parallel electric field; d) planar layer and normal electric field. Moreover the cases of positive and negative dielectric anisotropy are considered as well as the cases of equal and unequal anchoring energies. This means that a total number of 16 different cases are the subject of this report. For the homeotropic cases the surface polarization is taken into account as well. In the cases a) and c) the effects are nonthreshold. The threshold for cases b) and d) can be polarity dependent. This polarity has already been observed experimentally in planar MBBA layers.

Mots clés: nematic liquid crystals; organic compounds

Domaines: Articles anciens

A. Derzhanski, A.G. Petrov, M. D. Mitov. One-dimensional dielectric-flexoelectric deformations in nematic layers. Journal de Physique, 1978, 39 (3), pp.273-285. ⟨10.1051/jphys:01978003903027300⟩. ⟨jpa-00208762⟩