Smectic layer switching using a field-induced N^*-C^* phase transition

Abstract

In a chiral smectic material having an N^* to C^* transition, the smectic state can be induced by an applied electric field several degrees in the cholesteric state above T_C. At a certain critical field strength the smectic layers grow out along one of two directions determined by the tilt angle of the C^* material and of the sign of its ferroelectric response and thus selected by the sign of the applied field.