Dynamics of Helix Winding, Unwinding and Switching of Ferroelectric Liquid Crystals

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Abstract
Dynamics of helix unwinding (SmC*→SmC) and winding (SmC→SmC*) processes under the applied electric field in ferroelectric liquid crystal (FLC) have been studied by applying a biased (0 V–10 V–0 V) asymmetric square wave pulses. The molecular reorientation mechanism taking place in these processes have been compared with the switching process amonst the two stable states of FLC. The helices unwinding process which takes place under the constraint condition of electric field is much faster than the winding process which occurs with its natural way depending upon the viscosity of the material. The switching amongst the two stable states takes place directly from one state to another without actually attaining the helicoidal structure of FLC.