Dispersion of the anisotropy of the refractive index of a liquid crystal in a low-temperature nematic phase
I. S. Chekulaev,
S. V. Simushkina,
Yu. V. Kovalev,
Yu. D. Kuleshova,
A. I. Krukov,
V. G. Chigrinov,
A. D. Kurilov https://doi.org/10.18384/2949-5067-2025-3-76-89
Abstract
Aim. To study the dispersion of the refractive index anisotropy Δn and the order parameter S of the liquid crystal mixture ZhK-1289 in the temperature range of –60 to +60°C and to verify the applicability of the Landau-de Gennes model.
Methodology. Interference spectroscopy was employed. Transmission spectra of a planar LC cell were measured at temperatures ranging from –60°C to +60°C. The birefringence Δn was determined from the positions of interference maxima. The dependence S(T) was calculated based on Δn(T).
Results. The dependences Δn(λ) were established throughout the entire existence range of the nematic phase. The refractive index anisotropy decreases with increasing temperature and wavelength. The order parameter decreases from 0.75 at –40°C to 0.23 at +61°C. The critical exponent β = 0.23 ± 0.01 is close to 0.25, confirming the model.
Research implications. Data on Δn(λ, T) and S(T) in the low-temperature nematic phase of ZhK-1289 were obtained, and the Landau-de Gennes model was validated. The results are important for designing thermally stable LC devices.
Supporting agencies: This work was supported by the grant from the Federal State University of Education in 2025, awarded to the winning research project in the competitive grant program.
About the Authors
I. S. Chekulaev
Federal State University of Education
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Igor S. Chekulaev – Research Assistant, Laboratory of Theoretical and Applied Nanotechnology
Moscow
S. V. Simushkina
Federal State University of Education
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Sofia V. Simushkina – Student, Faculty of Physics and Mathematics
Moscow
Yu. V. Kovalev
Federal State University of Education
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Yuriy V. Kovalev – Student, Faculty of Physics and Mathematics
Moscow
Yu. D. Kuleshova
Federal State University of Education
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Yulia D. Kuleshova – Cand. Sci. (Phys.-Math.), Dean, Faculty of Physics and Mathematics
Moscow
A. I. Krukov
Federal State University of Education
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Aleksey I. Kryukov – Head, Pedagogical Technopark «Quantorium» named after I. V. Kurchatov
Moscow
V. G. Chigrinov
Federal State University of Education
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Vladimir G. Chigrinov – Dr. Sci. (Phys.-Math.), Senior Researcher, Laboratory of Theoretical and Applied Nanotechnology
Moscow
A. D. Kurilov
Federal State University of Education
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Aleksandr D. Kurilov – Cand. Sci. (Phys.-Math.), Laboratory Head, Laboratory of Theoretical and Applied Nanotechnology
Moscow
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