Dielectric and Electro-Optical Properties of Nematic and SmC Mesogens

Liquid crystals (LCs) represent a soft state of matter exihibiting symmetry and properties in-between crystalline solid and isotropic liquid. Due to existence of large anisotropy coupled with the collective molecular reorientation, the impact of liquid crystalline materials on the modern day science, technology, industry, engineering, biology and medicine has been very profound. The interest and activities in this fascinating field are undergoing a modern day renaissance. Recently, work in the area of science and technology of LC materials have preceded mainly in two directions: to synthesize new LC materials with specific characteristics appropriate for applications and to make composite systems by the dispersion/doping of non-mesogenic materials (dyes/polymers/nanomaterials) into the host LC matrix and tailor their properties suitable for the applications. The work described in this monograph presents investigations on the dielectric and electro-optical properties of pure and non-mesogenic materials dispersed in host LC systems and study of their basic and applied aspects. Some of the future challenges and problems which are to be addressed and explored are also pointed out.