The Optics of Nematic Liquid Crystals

If the optical indicatrix is oriented at an angle 0 to the plane of the cell such as the plane of the glass walls and ITO electrodes, then the refractive index seen by light passing perpendicular to the cell waU is given by 

From the above equation, the optical retardance T can be calculated for a given sample of thickness d and at a wavelength X when the material is oriented at an angle 9 to the light polarization direction. 

The main properties that are used in our holographic and nanophotonic device developments are birefringence, dielectric anisotropy and fluid viscosity. 

Microscopic Anisotropy + ordering Fluidity - Permits reorganization. 

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