Local Freedericksz transitions at a nematic liquid crystal thin film oxideferroelectric interface

The electro-optical properties of a novel device comprising nematic liquid crystals and a thin film oxide ferroelectric (OFE) substrate are reported. The OFE was the lead zirconate-lead titanate. PZT, system with the molar co mposition 30:70, respectively. The first evidence of the interaction of nem atic liquid crystals with the spontaneous polarisation (P-s) of an OFE is p resented. Coupling of the ferroelectric P-s from poled grains (5-10 mu m in diameter) with the liquid crystal results in local Freedericksz transition s, allowing the grain structure of the substrate to be visualized. Further, this novel device structure allows the director tilt and anchoring energy of commercially available nematic materials to be quantified.