STROBOSCOPIC MICROSCOPY OF FERROELECTRIC LIQUID-CRYSTALS

We have studied the switching of surface-stabilized ferroelectric-liqu id-crystal (SSFLC) cells using stroboscopic microscopy. We find that t he switching process in the chevron-layer-shaped SSFLC's is mediated b y domains that occur at the chevron interface and that are nucleated b oth heterogeneously and homogeneously; that some features of the growt h of the domains can be described well by existing theories; and that the peculiar terminal ''speedboat'' shape of the domains is a function of the applied electric field and the sample temperature. We examine the possible mechanisms that result in asymmetries in domain-wall velo cities.