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Abstract
The development and the current state of knowledge of ferroelectric liquid crystals are reviewed. Symmetry considerations first indicated that a ferroelectric phase should exist. Synthesis of new molecules led to the first experiments on electro-optical properties, indicating a spontaneous polarization. Various studies of bulk samples, including further electro-optical effects, shear induced polarization, pyroelectric effects, and switching experiments are discussed. Studies of the Curie point and effects visible in freely suspended films are summarized. Comparisons with crystalline ferroelectrics are made. Some further work and possible applications are indicated.