Polarity-dependent dielectric torque in nematic liquid crystals

TL;DR

This paper reveals that dielectric memory in nematic liquid crystals causes a polarity-sensitive torque, which can enhance switching dynamics by accelerating the director switch-off phase.

Contribution

It introduces the concept of dielectric memory leading to a polarity-dependent dielectric torque, a novel effect affecting liquid crystal switching behavior.

Findings

Dielectric memory causes a linear, polarity-sensitive torque.

Polarity-dependent torque can accelerate director switch-off.

The effect influences liquid crystal switching dynamics.

Abstract

The dielectric dispersion in the uniaxial nematic liquid crystals affects the switching dynamics of the director, as the dielectric torque is determined by not only the present values of the electric field and director but also by their past values. We demonstrate that this dielectric memory leads to an unusual contribution to the dielectric torque that is linear in the present field and thus polarity-sensitive. This torque can be used to accelerate the switch-off phase of director dynamics.