A bow-phase mesogen showing strong, robust analog electro-optics

The design and synthesis of the first of a new class of bow-phase (also kno wn as banana-phase) mesogens possessing resorcylidene aniline groups in the core is described. The new achiral material, NORABOW, shows two chiral ele ctro-optically active smectic phases, both existing over a wide temperature range. The high temperature smectic, which exists as the thermodynamically stable phase between 120 degreesC and 150 degreesC, exhibits electro-optic behavior not previously reported for a bow-phase. In particular, high susc eptibility analog electrooptics ("V-shaped switching'') are observed in a t exture which is stable to large applied electric fields. The electro-optic behavior of NORABOW is of potential utility in photonic switching applicati ons.