Linear electro-optic response in a stretched polymer dispersed ferroelectric liquid crystal sponge system

A linear electro-optic response in a stretched polymer dispersed ferroelect ric liquid crystal (PDFLC) sponge system is presented. The composite materi al is prepared with the ferroelectric liquid crystal SCE10, which exhibits a SmC*-N* phase sequence, and polyvinylbutyral (PVB) using the solvent evap oration induced phase separation (SIPS) technique. The ferroelectric liquid crystal imbedded in the sponge system is aligned unidirectionally by mecha nical stretching of the PDFLC material. The stretched PDFLC film exhibits a linear electro-optical response, a large induced tilt of the sample optic axis, and a constant response time with the applied electric field in a bro ad temperature range covering both the SmC* and N* phase. Surprisingly, the field-induced tilt in the N* phase is found to be larger than in the SmC*.