Regular structures in 5CB liquid crystals under the joint action of ac and dc voltages.

A nematic liquid crystal with high, positive dielectric anisotropy (5CB) has been studied under the influence of the combined action of a dc and an ac electric field. Broad frequency, voltage, and cell thickness ranges were considered. Pattern morphologies were identified; the thresholds and critical wave numbers were measured and analyzed as a function of frequency, dc-to-ac voltage ratio, and thickness. The current-voltage characteristics were simultaneously detected.