Collective and non-collective molecular dynamics in a ferroelectric nematic liquid crystal studied by broadband dielectric spectroscopy

TL;DR

This study uses broadband dielectric spectroscopy to analyze the complex dielectric relaxation processes in a ferroelectric nematic liquid crystal, revealing multiple relaxation mechanisms influenced by polar correlations.

Contribution

It provides detailed experimental insights into dielectric relaxation in ferroelectric nematic liquid crystals, clarifying the interpretation of observed modes.

Findings

Identification of multiple relaxation modes

Influence of electrode separation and DC bias on dielectric response

Assignment of relaxation mechanisms based on theoretical models

Abstract

A great deal of effort has been recently devoted to the study of dielectric relaxation processes in ferroelectric nematic liquid crystals, yet their interpretation remains unclear. In this work, we present the results of broadband dielectric spectroscopy experiments of a prototypical ferroelectric nematogen in the frequency range 10 Hz-110 MHz at different electrode separations and under the application of DC bias fields. The results evidence a complex behavior in all phases due to the magnitude of polar correlations in these systems. The observed modes have been assigned to different relaxation mechanisms based on existing theoretical frameworks.