Electrooptical Spectra in the Free-Standing Films of a Ferroelectric Liquid Crystal

Abstract

The electrooptical spectra of a ferroelectric liquid crystal, DOBAMBC, have been studied in the free-standing films of various thickness about one helical pitch. It is found that there are two relaxation modes in the films thicker than one helical pitch. The relaxation frequency of the faster mode is less influenced by the change of thickness, but that of slower mode is inversely proportional to the square of film thickness. We have also studied the change in the relaxation frequencies of both modes by varying the applied dc bias field.