On the determination of liquid crystal-to-wall anchoring anisotropy by the surface-plasmon polariton technique

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Based on the Oseen and Frank elastic continuum theory of nematic liquid crystals, and on a generalized torque balance equation at the interface, the magnitude and the gradient of the tilt angle of liquid crystal molecules at the interface have been calculated in a homogeneous cell as a function of applied voltage and liquid crystal‐to‐wall anchoring anisotropy C. Consequently, the reflectivities associated with the excitation of the surface‐plasmon polariton propagating along the liquid crystal‐to‐wall interface can be evaluated for comparison with experimental results to determine a value for C. Numerical computations of reflectivities have been shown to fit the experimental results of Sprokel, Santo, and Swalen [Mol. Cryst. Liq. Cryst. 6 8, 29 (1981)]. An average value of 0.11±0.05 ergs/cm2 for C has been deduced.