Effects of pulsed electric fields on a nematic device with a ferroelectricceramic substrate

We report details of the interaction between a thin film of ferroelectric c eramic (lead zirconate-lead titanate) and an overlying layer of nematic liq uid crystal. Pulsed electric fields of 1ms duration and of varying amplitud es and polarity have been used to achieve different degrees of poling withi n devices in which one substrate includes the ferroelectric ceramic layer. The degree of orientation of the nematic liquid crystal is found to depend on both the amplitude and polarity of the poling voltage employed. The magn itude of the poling voltage necessary to induce reorientation in the liquid crystal compares reasonably with the calculated value. The reorientation o f the nematic liquid crystal due to the interaction with poled grains of PZ T is stable for at least several months.