Optical Properties of Lens Shaped Ferroelectric Nematic Liquid Crystal Droplets

ORAL

Abstract

Thermomechanical and electric field induced instabilities of lens shaped ferroelectric nematic liquid crystal (NF) droplets have been studied. [1–3] Here we study optical properties of 50-200 µm diameter NF plano-convex lenses deposited on a planar-aligned substrate.  [4] We find two light polarization dependent focal points corresponding to the ordinary and extraordinary refractive indices of the material. Such double refraction is surprising as it usually requires centimeter size LC samples. [4] The optical properties are correlated to the shape and director configuration of droplets.  Additionally, the effect of magnetic fields on the director configuration and the focal length is also reported.

*National Science Foundation grant DMR-2210083

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Publication: [1] M. T. Máthé, Á. Buka, A. Jákli, and P. Salamon, Ferroelectric nematic liquid crystal thermo-motor, Phys Rev E 105, L052701 (2022).
[2] M. T. Máthé, B. Farkas, L. Péter, Á. Buka, A. Jákli, and P. Salamon, Electric field-induced interfacial instability in a ferroelectric nematic liquid crystal, Sci Rep 13, 6981 (2023).
[3] R. Barboza, S. Marni, F. Ciciulla, F. Ali Mir, G. Nava, F. Caimi, A. Zaltron, N. A. Clark, T. Bellini, and L. Lucchetti, Explosive electrostatic instability of ferroelectric liquid droplets on ferroelectric solid surfaces, PNAS 119, e2207858119 (2022).

Presenters

  • Manisha Talwar

    • Kent State University

Authors

  • Manisha Talwar

    • Kent State University

  • Zakaria Siddiquee

    • Kent State University

  • Antal Istvan Jakli

    • Kent State University