Comprehensive characterization of ferroelectric nematic liquid crystal FNLC919 as a reference material

ORAL

Abstract

Among the recently developed ferroelectric nematic liquid crystals, FNLC-919, synthesized by Merck Electronics, stands out for its stable, room temperature, ferroelectric nematic (NF) phase. This renders it a promising candidate for both fundamental research and device-level applications. In this study, we present a comprehensive experimental investigation of FNLC-919, focusing on its structural, optical, dielectric, and elastic properties in the paraelectric nematic (N) and the intermediate antiferroelectric phase (dubbed Nx) that occurs in a temperature range between the N and NF phases. Key material parameters such as ferroelectric polarization, viscosity and nanostructure are characterized as functions of temperature in all mesophases, while the orientational elastic constants are determined only in the N and NX phases. Our findings are compared with prior results on the benchmark compound DIO that also exhibits the phase sequence N-Nx-NF and reveals a smectic-like mass density wave coinciding with antiferroelectric ordering in the Nx phase.

*This work was financially supported by US National Science Foundation grant DMR-2210083 (A.J. and S.S.). The material FNLC919 was provided by Merck Electronics KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany.

–

Presenters

  • Ayusha Paul

    • Kent State University

Authors

  • Ayusha Paul

    • Kent State University

  • Milon Paul

    • Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA

  • MANISHA BADU

    • Department of Physics, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA
    • kent state university
    • Kent State University

  • Arjun Ghimire

    • Department of Physics, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA
    • Kent State University

  • Netra Prasad Dhakal

    • Kent State University

  • Netra Prasad Dhakal

    • Kent State University

  • Antal Istvan Jakli

    • Kent State University

  • Samuel Sprunt

    • Kent State University
    • kent state university

  • James T Gleeson

    • Department of Physics, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA
    • kent state university
    • Kent State University