Theoretical Considerations and Experimental Illustration of the Electro-Optic Behavior of Longitudinal Flexoelectric Domains Under the Joint Action of DC and AC Voltages: The Case of Strong Anchoring

Abstract

The solution of the Euler–Lagrange equations for the director components n _y  = f₁(z)sinqy and n _z = f₂(z)cosqy, where q is the wave number of the flexoelectric domains of Vistin'–Pikin–Bobylev, has been for the first time exactly found with the aid of matrix calculations for the case of a planar nematic layer with anisotropic elasticity and a negative dielectric anisotropy under the simultaneous action of an inhomogeneous DC flexoelectrically deforming electric field and a.c. dielectrically orienting electric field. Experimental illustration is given for the influence of the additionally applied AC voltage on the behaviour of the flexoelectric domains.

Keywords:

• anisotropic elasticity
• experimental illustration
• flexoelectric domains
• threshold characteristics

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This study was supported by project No. 1506, FNI-MON, Bulgaria. It was also performed in the framework of Indo-Bulgarian Programme of cooperation in Science & Technology, joint project No. BIn-9/07, contract BIn-5/07 (Bulgaria), B-71 (India).