Sign reversal of the electroclinic coefficient in the smectic B* phase

L. Komitov Physics Department, Chalmers University of Technology, S-412 96, Goteborg, Sweden

K. Flatischler Physics Department, Chalmers University of Technology, S-412 96, Goteborg, Sweden

G. Andersson Physics Department, Chalmers University of Technology, S-412 96, Goteborg, Sweden

S. T. Lagerwall Physics Department, Chalmers University of Technology, S-412 96, Goteborg, Sweden

B. Stebler Physics Department, Chalmers University of Technology, S-412 96, Goteborg, Sweden

B. Otterholm Department of Organic Chemistry, Chalmers University of Technology, S-412 96, Goteborg, Sweden; AB Volvo, Technical Development, Applied Physics, Dep. 6140, Chalmers Teknikpark, S41288, Göteborg, Sweden

T. Olsson Department of Organic Chemistry, Chalmers University of Technology, S-412 96, Goteborg, Sweden

Chr. Alstermark Department of Organic Chemistry, Chalmers University of Technology, S-412 96, Goteborg, Sweden; AR Hässle, Division of Organic Chemistry, S-431 83, Mölndal, Sweden

show all

Abstract

In the B phase of a chiral epoxy compound and its mixtures with an achiral liquid crystal material, a sign reversal in the electroclinic coefficient is observed. The temperature where the coefficient vanishes has been found to be almost independent on the concentration of the chiral molecules. A simple explanation is proposed in terms of conformational changes in the chiral molecule. Supported by molecular mechanics calculations we believe that the anti conformation dominates in the A and C phases, whereas some of several gauche conformations gain, weight in the B* phase and become predominant below a certain temperature.

Reprints and Corporate Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

To request a reprint or corporate permissions for this article, please click on the relevant link below:

Order Reprints Request Corporate Permissions

Academic Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

Obtain permissions instantly via Rightslink by clicking on the button below:

Request Academic Permissions

If you are unable to obtain permissions via Rightslink, please complete and submit this Permissions form. For more information, please visit our Permissions help page.

Sign reversal of the electroclinic coefficient in the smectic B* phase

Information for

Open access

Opportunities

Help and information

Your download is now in progress and you may close this window

Login or register to access this feature

Sign reversal of the electroclinic coefficient in the smectic B* phase

Abstract

Reprints and Corporate Permissions

Academic Permissions

Related research

To cite this article:

Download citation

Information for

Open access

Opportunities

Help and information

Keep up to date