THz Time-Domain Spectroscopic Studies of a Ferroelectric Liquid Crystal in the SmA* and SmC* Phases

Abstract

We report complex refractive indices of a ferroelectric liquid crystal (FLC) ZLI-4654-000 from 0.3 to 3.0 THz by THz time-domain Spectroscopy. Extraordinary and ordinary refractive indices of this FLC in the SmA* phase (67.9°C) as well as the SmC* phase (58.1°C) are determined. The birefringence of the FLC varies with frequency but is comparable to its value in the visible, 0.13, while the imaginary indices of refraction in both phases are ≤ 0.06. Absorption bands are found for ordinary waves in both phases and e-waves in SmA* phases.

Keywords:

• Ferroelectric liquid crystal
• smectic
• THz
• far infrared
• time-domain spectroscopy
• birefringence
• absorption

Acknowledgments

This work was supported in part by the PPAEU-II and grant NSC 95-2221-E-009-249 from the National Science Council as well as the ATU program of the Ministry of Education of the Republic of China.