Liquid Crystal Blue Phase to Isotropic Transition and Electric Field Response

Abstract

Abstract The cholesteric liquid crystal 4”-(2-methylbutylphenyl)-4′-(2-methylbutyl)-4-biphenyl-carboxylate has a pronounced blue phase (BP). DSC calorimetry shows 3 peaks in the cholesteric to isotropic transition region. The phases are identified by polarizing microscopy. The BP has two forms which are separated by a first order transition. The isotropic to BP transition appears to be a form of second order transition. An applied electric field induces the transition from BP (1) to the cholesteric focal conic phase.