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Measuring Magnetically-Tuned Ferroelectric Polarization in Liquid Crystals
Published on: August 15, 2018
Ferrielectric smectic C phases stabilized using a chiral liquid crystal oligomer
Anna Noji1, Naoki Uehara, Yoichi Takanishi
1Department of Frontier Materials Chemistry, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Hirosaki University, 3, Bunkyo-cho, Hirosaki 036-8561, Japan.
The Journal of Physical Chemistry. B
|November 26, 2009
Summary
A novel chiral liquid crystal oligomer displays unique ferrielectric smectic C phases. Remarkably, this oligomer induces chirality-dependent ordering even in its racemic mixture, offering new material possibilities.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Organic Chemistry
- Condensed Matter Physics
Background:
- Chiral liquid crystals are crucial for advanced optical and electronic devices.
- Understanding the relationship between molecular structure and macroscopic phase behavior is essential.
- Ferroelectric and antiferroelectric liquid crystal phases offer unique electro-optic properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize and characterize a novel chiral liquid crystal oligomer.
- To investigate the phase behavior and ordering properties of the synthesized oligomer.
- To explore the influence of chirality on the racemic mixture of the oligomer.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of the chiral liquid crystal oligomer: (R)-1-methylheptyl 4'-{8-[4-(5-octylpyrimidin-2-yl)phenyloxy]octanoyloxy}biphenyl-4-carboxylate.
- Physical property investigation using optical microscopy.
- Thermal analysis via differential scanning calorimetry (DSC).
- Structural characterization using X-ray diffraction (XRD).
Main Results:
- The synthesized oligomer exhibits two distinct ferrielectric smectic C phases.
- A wide temperature range was observed between the ferroelectric and antiferroelectric smectic C phases.
- Ferrielectric-like ordering was successfully induced in the racemic mixture of the enantiomers.
- The oligomeric effect demonstrated highly chirality-dependent ordering in the racemic system.
Conclusions:
- The chiral liquid crystal oligomer possesses unique phase behavior with potential for advanced applications.
- Chirality plays a significant role in directing molecular ordering, even in racemic mixtures.
- Oligomeric structures can be designed to control chirality-induced ordering in liquid crystal systems.
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