Electro-optic and hydrodynamic properties of nematic liquid films with free surfaces

Abstract

The electro‐optic and hydrodynamic properties of unconstrained films of MBBA have been studied using both freely suspended films with two free surfaces and suspended layers having a single free surface. Orientation in the bulk can be different from that at the surface and is influenced by magnetic fields and by flow. Changes in orientation near the surface can account for the observed optical rotation, domain boundaries, and electro‐optic effects. At frequencies below the dielectric relaxation frequency, electric fields also give rise to hydrodynamic flow and flow alignment which is demonstrated visually.