Computer simulation of the electro-optical switching process in ferroelectric liquid crystal cells with bookshelf geometry

Abstract

The electro-optical properties of a ferroelectric liquid crystal in thin surface stabilized cells with bookshelf geometry were studied with respect to the temperature and to the frequency with alternating amplitude and waveform of the electric field applied. Using a previously proposed model of director reorientation, the measurements were simulated, and a consistent description of the electro-optical behaviour of the system achieved. The fit of the simulations to the measurements provided material constants for the compound investigated and these are discussed.