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Abstract
The switching dynamics in a first order phase transition ferroelectric liquid crystal, possessing a chiral nematic to smectic C∗ phase transition, have been studied in thin (4 μm) polymer rubbed cells. It has been observed that when one surface of the cell is coated with polymer and strongly rubbed, then a monodomain sample is obtained with asymmetric switching dynamics due to surface anchoring effects. When both the surfaces of the cell are polymer coated and strongly rubbed, then two well aligned domains are formed in the material. It has been observed that the directions of the spontaneous polarization in the two domains are pointed oppositely to each other. The results have been analysed by optical and electrical switching methods and are discussed.