Liquid Crystal Research AdvancementsMolecular spectroscopy and chiralityLipid Membrane Structure and Behavior

M. Surekha, D. M. Potukuchi

2026.5.7FERROELECTRICS

DOI: 10.1080/00150193.2026.2660690

Abstract

Hysteresis, tilt angle, spontaneous polarization and Electro-Clinic effect were investigated for SmC* exhibited by a liquid crystal dimer, viz., 11OBA:M*SA:ABO11 with chiral center on spacer moiety. Primary order parameter tilt angle θ(T) growth agreed with Critical field model prediction, while secondary order parameter spontaneous polarization growth Ps(T) agreed with Mean field predictions. Order parameter exponents inferred prevalence of pair-wise correlation for dipole stabilization of order director fluctuations regarding primary order parameter. Secondary order parameter critical exponent defended long range dipole ordering. The tilt order parameter growth and its moderate saturated value inferred a relatively small viewing angle for a device. Small hysteresis area indicated limited storage capacity. Comparable EC response identified in SmC* phase. Relatively large Electro-Clinic coefficient realized for higher fields at higher temperatures for its utility in devices. EC effect is compared with that reported other chiral SmC LC phases. Magnitude and trends of hysteresis, tilt angle and polarization are presented, discussed, analyzed and addressed in terms of interplay between P and parity. Integrated view inferred strong influence of spacer based chiral center in the LC dimer.

Citation format

SUREKHA, M.; POTUKUCHI, D. M. Influence of spacer moiety based chiral center in liquid crystal dimer by hysteresis, spontaneous polarization, tilt angle and electro-clinic effect investigations. FERROELECTRICS, 2026, 619(7-16): 306–323.