Antiferroelectric liquid-crystal gels

The synthesis and characterization of several mesogenic antiferroelectric g els-obtained by in situ photopolymerization of mixtures of a nonchiral diac rylate and a nonreactive compound with an antiferroelectric SmC*(A) phase-i s described. Along with kinetic aspects from their photopolymerization proc esses, information has been obtained concerning the dielectric permittivity , spontaneous polarization, optical response to an applied electric held, a nd the influence that the photopolymerization conditions and the structural characteristics of the network have on these properties. We have found tha t the polymer network not only stabilizes the antiferroelectric orientation but also alters the electro-optic properties of the liquid crystal.