Ultrasonic and optical examination of doped liquid crystal under an applied external field

Abstract

Ultrasonic and optical measurements are used to investigate structural changes in liquid crystal (LC) doped with magnetic Fe3O4 nanorods. These are dispersed in the host in various concentrations. Such structural changes are observed under applied electric and magnetic fields. The investigation methods include acoustic attenuation measurements of surface acoustic waves (SAW) and optical transmission measurements using a laser light beam with linear polarization (532 nm) propagating through the sample. These methods are utilized to understand the system response on the applied external field (increasing/decreasing application) as well as change after step change. Experimental data obtained from both methods are compared to show supplementary effectivity of measurements, the stability of the suspension, and switching behavior.