Na. Clark et al., Electrostatics and the electro-optic behaviour of chiral smectics C: 'block' polarization screening of applied voltage and 'V-shaped' switching, LIQ CRYST, 27(7), 2000, pp. 985-990
We present a new model for the physics of thresholdless switching in chiral
smectics; In the limit of high polarization, the electro-optics of chiral
smectic C liquid crystals are dominated by two distinct electrostatic effec
ts. Complete (surface to surface) 'stiffening' of the polarization field by
its charge self-interaction causes the polarization to orient as a uniform
block. Complete screening of applied electric held by polarization charge
leads to voltage-induced orientation where the electric field in the liquid
crystal is exactly zero, These effects, both operative during the 'V-shape
d' portion of thresholdless transmission vs. voltage curves, combine to pro
duce 'V-shaped' switching.