The influence of magnetic field on electric Fredericksz transition in 8CB-based ferronematic

The ferronematics based on 8CB liquid crystal with different volume fractio ns of magnetic particles f were prepared. The influence of the magnetic fie ld on the electric Fredericksz transition was studied in these samples usin g magnetodielectric and conductivity measurements in planar geometry. The i ncrease of the elastic constant K-1 and the corresponding electric threshol d held E-c were observed with the increase of the volume concentration of f ine magnetic particles added to the liquid crystal. The experimental result s i.e. increase of E-c vs. f and decrease of E-c vs. an external magnetic f ield are in qualitative agreement with theoretical predictions. (C) 1999 El sevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.