Linear electromechanical effect in a S*_c polymer liquid crystal

Abstract

A linear electromechanical effect, similar to that observed in low-molecular weight S*_c liquid crystals, is reported for a S*_c polymer liquid crystal. A 20 μm thick film of LCP1 (polymer liquid crystal, S*_c, supplied by BDH) was prepared that could be aligned by shearing. An alternating electric field was applied perpendicular and the lateral oscillating motion of the cover glass was measured and analysed. In addition to a linear response, vibrations with the frequency of the applied field, a quadratic response was also observed. The frequency, temperature and applied voltage dependences were measured. The response depends strongly on the alignment. The qualitative analysis of the effects indicates that the oscillations are due to viscous coupling between director reorientation and flow.