THz time-domain spectroscopic studies of a ferroelectric liquid crystal in the SmA* and SmC* phases

Abstract

We report complex refractive indices of a ferroelectric liquid crystal (FLC) ZLI-4654-000 from 0.3 to 3.0 THz by THz time-domain Spectroscopy. Extraordinary and ordinary refractive indices of this FLC in the SmA* phase (67.9 degrees C) as well as the SmC* phase (58.1 degrees C) are determined. The birefringence of the FLC varies with frequency but is comparable to its value in the visible, 0.13, while the imaginary indices of refraction in both phases are <= 0.06. Absorption bands are found for ordinary waves in both phases and e-waves in SmA* phases.