Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 13, 2026

Novel Techniques for Observing Structural Dynamics of Photoresponsive Liquid Crystals
Published on: May 29, 2018
Electro-optic Kerr effect in the isotropic phase above the columnar phase of a urea derivative
Yoshinori Okada1, Fumito Araoka, Yoichi Takanishi
1Department of Organic and Polymeric Materials, Tokyo Institute of Technology, O-Okayama, Tokyo, Japan.
Abstract:
The authors have measured the electro-optic Kerr effect in the isotropic phase of a urea derivative. Electric-field-induced birefringence Deltan was observed in the isotropic phase even 30 degrees C above the isotropic-columnar phase transition temperature. The induced birefringence is inversely proportional to temperature, as predicted by the Landau-de Gennes theory. Two distinct regions are identified from the proportionality constants in the isotropic phase; optical second-harmonic generation (SHG) is easily observable in the low-temperature region on applying an electric field, whereas SHG activity does not emerge in the higher-temperature region. The structure of molecular assemblies is discussed based on these experimental results.
Related Concept Videos
Inductive Effects on Chemical Shift: Overview
Insensitive Nuclei Enhanced by Polarization Transfer (INEPT)
Nuclear Overhauser Enhancement (NOE)
UV–Vis Spectroscopy: Molecular Electronic Transitions
IR Spectrum Peak Splitting: Symmetric vs Asymmetric Vibrations
π Electron Effects on Chemical Shift: Overview

