Influence of X7GeS5I (X = Ag, Cu) Superionic Nanoparticles on Structural Changes in Nematic Liquid Crystal

The effect of two types of superionic nanoparticles; Cu7GeS5I and Ag7GeS5I, respectively on nematic liquid crystal (6CB) behavior under an external electric field is investigated. The response of both attenuation of surface acoustic waves propagating along with the substrate/liquid crystal interface and light transmission are used to study the structural changes induced by applied electric field. The increasing/decreasing regime as well as jumped change of applied field were used. The light transmission was investigated using linearly polarized laser beam (532 nm) propagating through the liquid crystal. Results obtained from both measurements for three different concentrations (0.01, 0.05 and 0.10 wt%) and in addition two different sizes of nanoparticles are compared and results, relying on structural changes, suspension stability and switching behavior are evaluated.