Smectic Layer Structure of Ferroelectric Liquid Crystal between Polymer Fibers

Abstract

A free-standing composite film of ferroelectric liquid crystal(FLC)and aligned polymer fiber networks supporting plastic thin substrates is expected to be applied to a large and light-weight sheet display in future. We clarified the FLC alignment structures formed between the fine polymer fibers, by polarizing microscopic study and X-ray diffraction measurements. It was found that bending of smectic layers of FLC is induced in both the film and cross-sectional planes at the phase transition from smectic A to smectic C of FLC. The light transmittance properties of the composite film between crossed polarizers was analyzed by light propagation simulation in several optical anisotropic media based on the obtained FLC alignment model.