High performance dual frequency liquid crystal compounds and mixture for operation at elevated temperature

Abstract

Dual frequency liquid crystal (DFLC) compounds with high birefringence and ultra-low crossover frequency have been developed. The long conjugated rigid core structure gives these compounds a high birefringence (0.3–0.4) and ultra-low Debye relaxation frequency. Using these compounds we have formulated a new DFLC mixture, designated UCF–02, for operation at elevated temperatures. The birefringence of the mixture is greater than 0.3 at 25°C and λ = 633 nm. Their initial ultra-low crossover frequency allows them to be used at elevated temperatures and significantly improves their utility.

Keywords:

• dual-frequency liquid crystal
• fast response
• high birefringence
• dielectric relaxation

Acknowledgement

The authors are indebted to AFOSR for financial support under Contract No. FA95550–09–1–0170.