Dielectric measurements on chiral smectic C liquid crystals

Abstract

Measurements on dielectric constantes e// and e┴ of chiral smectic C (ferroelectric) liquid crystals DOBAMBC, HOBACPC, TDOBAMBCC and DOBAMBCC are reported. The dielectric behaviour of e┴ at the SmA — chiral SmC transition temperature shows a cusp in agreement with the theoretical predictions explaining the electroclinic effect. The measured dielectric anisotropies for DOBAMBC and HOBACPC are positive while those for TDOBAMBCC and DOBAMBCC are negative.