ALIGNMENT OF NEMATIC LIQUID CRYSTALS CONTROLLED BY FERROELECTRIC DOMAIN STRUCTURE

On cleaved surface of ferroelectric triglycine sulphate (TGS) two distinct alignments of nematic liquid crystals (NLC's) have been observed which correspond to two possible directions of spontaneous polarization in TGS substrate. Polarization reversal of TGS accomplished by external electric field brings about switching from one alignment into the other which remains stable after disconnecting the field. The alignment can be modified by anchoring properties of a glass plate covering the NLC layer.