Transverse field effects in nematic liquid crystals

A novel electro‐optic effect has been observed in thin homeotropic nematic layers. Electrodes, such as a pair of parallel lines, are located on a planar surface in contact with the liquid. Deformation of the homeotropic ordering occurs when the applied field exceeds a threshold strength. Induced optical birefringence and diffraction have been observed, and electrically controlled optical transmission and reflection have been attained. Experimental data are given for a cyano‐aniline mixture with ${\epsilon }_{\parallel }{\mathrm{-\; \epsilon }}_{\perp }\text{> 0}$ and for negative‐anisotropy materials.