Switching and Dielectric Behavior of Phase

Abstract

Switching and dielectric properties of a compound (S)-(+)-4-(1-methylheptyl) 4-[4-(3-hexanoyloxy prop-1-oxy) benzoyloxy]biphenylate are studied by means of polarization reversal methods and dielectric spectroscopy respectively. Two characteristics polarization peaks have been observed on application of triangular pulse in the phase. The separation between two peaks has been decreases with increase in frequency and electric field. These two peaks merge into each other after a critical field of ∼200 kV/cm. A relaxation mechanism has been detected under planar orientation of molecules for phase in the high kHz region. This mode shows two different behaviors in two temperature ranges.

Keywords:

• Chiral smectic phase
• collective processes
• dielectric relaxation mode
• switching time

Acknowledgment

Author (MBP) is thankful to University Grants Commission (UGC), New Delhi, India for financial assistance under a Major Research Project No. 38-263/2009 (SR).