LIQUID-CRYSTALLINE COMPOUNDS .112. FIRST OBSERVATION OF AN OPTICALLY CONTROLLED ELECTROOPTIC EFFECT IN NEMATIC-DISCOTIC LIQUID-CRYSTALS

An optically controlled electro-optic effect in nematic-discotic liqui d crystals was discovered for the first time. The peculiarities of thi s effect are: (a) high photosensitivity observed in three different ra dial multiyne liquid crystal materials, allowing optically controlled transmission, i.e. giving the possibility of writing and reproducing o ptical images; (b) for one of these compounds (1a) the effect occurs a t temperatures far below its melting point and even at room temperatur e.