Deviation of layer normal from rubbing direction in SSF-LC

Abstract Deviation angle δ of the layer normal away from the rubbing direction in surface-stabilized ferroelectric liquid crystal(SSF-LC) was studied using liquid crystal(LC) mixtures possessing smectic A(SmA) phase and cells with one rubbed substrate. The dependence of δ on the properties of LC, cell spacing, temperature, and external field suggested that δ originated from the twist in the nematic phase and electroclinic effect in SmA phase due to the surface field.