Angular Dependence of Selective Reflection from the Blue Phase

Abstract

We have measured the angular dependence of the selective reflection in the blue phases of cholesteryl oleyl carbonate and cholesteryl myristate. We have also measured the wavelength dependence of the index of refraction in the blue and isotropic phases and the intrinsic optical absorption in the isotropic phase of both materials. The angular dependence is explained by the equation of Ferguson, which also describes the angular dependence of the selective reflection in the cholesteric phase. Using the absorption and refractive index data we are able to explain the visual appearance of the blue phase.