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Converse flexoelectric effect in bent-core nematic liquid crystals.

Pramoda Kumar1, Y G Marinov, H P Hinov

  • 1Centre for Liquid Crystal Research, P.O. Box 1329, Jalahalli, Bangalore 560 013, India.

The Journal of Physical Chemistry. B
|June 16, 2009
PubMed
Summary

We investigated the converse flexoelectric effect in bent-core liquid crystals. Our findings show conventional flexoelectric coefficients, differing from previous giant values, and propose a molecular model to explain this.

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Area of Science:

  • Materials Science
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Liquid Crystal Physics

Background:

  • The converse flexoelectric effect describes how mechanical strain induces an electric polarization in materials.
  • Bent-core liquid crystals are known for unique electro-optic properties, but their flexoelectric behavior is not fully understood.
  • Previous studies reported unusually large flexoelectric coefficients in some bent-core nematics, creating a discrepancy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the converse flexoelectric effect in two bent-core nematic liquid crystals with opposing dielectric anisotropies.
  • To compare the flexoelectric coefficients with those found in calamitic liquid crystals and previously studied bent-core systems.
  • To propose a molecular model explaining the observed flexoelectric behavior and resolve discrepancies.

Main Methods:

  • Electro-optic investigations using in-plane field-driven distortions in homeotropic liquid crystal samples (Helfrich method).
  • Theoretical interpretation using an extended Helfrich theory incorporating higher-order distortions.
  • Molecular modeling to explain the flexoelectric response, considering nonpolar clusters and quadrupolar flexoelectricity.
  • Measurements of surface polarization instabilities in a dielectrically positive material.

Main Results:

  • The bend flexocoefficient for both investigated bent-core nematics was found to be of the conventional order of magnitude, similar to calamitic liquid crystals.
  • This contrasts with previously reported giant flexoelectric coefficients in a different bent-core nematic.
  • A molecular model involving nonpolar clusters and quadrupolar flexoelectricity was proposed to account for the observed results.
  • The splay flexocoefficient, determined from surface polarization instabilities, was also of the conventional magnitude.

Conclusions:

  • The converse flexoelectric effect in the studied bent-core nematics exhibits conventional flexoelectric coefficients.
  • A proposed molecular model involving nonpolar clusters and quadrupolar flexoelectricity can explain the observed behavior and reconcile discrepancies with prior studies.
  • The findings contribute to a better understanding of structure-property relationships in bent-core liquid crystals and their flexoelectric responses.