Liquid-crystal diode generator of low-frequency oscillations

The excitation of rhythmic current oscillations in a diode cell containing a nematic liquid crystal is studied. The external electric field in the interelectrode gap is directed parallel to the surfaces which orient the liquid crystal molecules. The current oscillations are accompanied by the formation of an autosoliton at the cathode, which propagates and disappears at the anode. A hypothetical model is proposed to explain this current instability.