Second Harmonic Light Scattering Study of a Twist-Bend Nematic Liquid Crystal

ORAL

Abstract

The twist-bend nematic phase exhibited by certain liquid crystalline dimers has been the subject of intensive recent investigation. In this report we present the results of angle-resolved second harmonic (SH) light scattering measurements from a twist-bend (TB) nematic liquid crystal for various combinations of the fundamental and second harmonic polarizations. These measurements reveal a polarization-dependent pretransitional temperature dependence of the SH signal, as well as an evolution of the SH scattering pattern below the transition (in the TB phase). We will discuss our results in terms of other recent experiments, as well as the current theoretical understanding of the nematic to TB transition and the nature of the TB phase. We thank O. Parri at Merck Chemicals Ltd., Southampton, UK for providing the studied material for us.

*Acknowledgement: NSF DMR-0964765 and DMR-1307674.

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Authors

  • Shokir Pardaev

    • Department of Physics, Kent State University

  • James Gleeson

    • Department of Physics, Kent State University
    • Department of Physics, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA

  • Antal J\'akli

    • Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program and Liquid Crystal Institute, Kent State University
    • Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program and Liquid Crystal Institute, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA
    • Liquid Crystal Institute
    • Liquid Crystal Institute, Kent State University
    • Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program and Liquid Crystal Institute, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242 USA

  • Samuel Sprunt

    • Department of Physics, Kent State University
    • Department of Physics, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA