ELECTRICAL FIELD DISTRIBUTION ASSOCIATED WITH DYNAMIC SCATTERING IN NEMATIC LIQUID CRYSTALS

Abstract

A small probe was used to measure the electric field distribution in a 1‐cm‐thick cell containing a nematic liquid crystal. It is found that apart from distances of about 100μ from each electrode, the electric field is quite uniform. The field at the anode is at least ten times higher than the average field. This indicates the existance of space‐charge carriers. The cathode also shows the above effect, but to a much smaller extent. The voltage applied to the cell was varied from 1 ∼ 8 kV. Identical results were obtained for the material in its isotropic state. These measurements give support to the model proposed by Heilmeier to explain dynamic scattering in nematic liquid crystals.