Time-resolved sign-dependent switching in a hybrid aligned nematic liquid crystal cell

Abstract

An optical waveguide technique is used to determine the director tilt profile across a hybrid aligned nematic (HAN) liquid crystal cell, in which the optical response is dependent on the sign of the applied voltage. Two physical models are shown that fit the equilibrium experimental data, but with alternative explanations for this sign dependence. Models with either a flexoelectric coefficient of 2.25 × 10-11Cm-1 or a bound surface charge of 12.2 μCm-2 are shown that fit this equilibrium data. In an attempt to resolve this degeneracy sign-dependent switching data are analysed. However, neither model can explain these switching data, which are affected by slow transients of 100 ms which are believed to be due to the motion of free ions in the liquid crystal. From the form of these slow transients, it is suggested that the equilibrium position of the ions is next to a cell substrate. © IOP Publishing Ltd and Deutsche Physikalische Gesellschaft.