Simultaneous studies of surface and bulk switching in ferroelectric liquid crystal devices

Abstract

We derive the flow coupled switching equations for a chiral smectic C (Sm C*) liquid crystal device in a tilted layer geometry, using the established continuum theory. The effects on director profile of switching with and without flow coupled reorientation are considered for bipolar pulses. The predictions of reorientation are compared with experimental data for the optical response of a device.

Key Words:

• SSFLC switching dynamics
• tilted layers
• continuum theory
• flow