The effect of magnetic field on the electric Fredericksz transition in ferronematics

The ferronematics based on 8CB liquid crystal with different volume fractio ns of magnetic particles (f) over bar were prepared. The influence of magne tic field on the electric Fredericksz transition was studied in these sampl es using magneto-dielectric and conductivity measurements in planar geometr y. The increase of the elastic constant K-1 and the corresponding electric threshold field E-c were observed with increase of volume concentration of fine magnetic particles added to liquid crystal. The experimental results i .e, increase of E-c vs (f) over bar and decrease of E-c vs an external magn etic field are in qualitative agreement with theoretical predictions.