Second-Harmonic Generation from an Interfacial Layer between Orientation Films and Liquid Crystal Layers of Nematic Liquid Crystal Cell

Abstract

A second-harmonic generation (SHG) has been observed in a nematic liquid crystal cell containing highly polarized liquid crystal and orientation films with high polarization. No SHG is observed when a nonpolar liquid crystal is used regardless of the polarities of the orientation films used. The observed SHG is thought to originate from the ferroelectriclike layer, which comprises decomposed polar liquid crystals, at the interface between the orientation film and the liquid crystal layer.