Liquid crystal dyes with high solubility and large dielectric anisotropy

Abstract

Several new liquid crystal dyes were synthesized and their physical properties characterized. These dyes exhibit an excellent solubility in nematic liquid crystals, high birefringence, and huge dielectric anisotropy. High solubility results from their small enthalpy of fusion and relatively low melting point, high birefringence from their long molecular conjugation, and huge dielectric anisotropy from their large dipole moment. Potential use of these dyes in infrared and millimeter wave liquid crystal modulators are emphasized.