Description
Book SynopsisThe book intends to give a state-of-the-art overview of flexoelectricity, a linear physical coupling between mechanical (orientational) deformations and electric polarization, which is specific to systems with orientational order, such as liquid crystals.Chapters written by experts in the field shed light on theoretical as well as experimental aspects of research carried out since the discovery of flexoelectricity. Besides a common macroscopic (continuum) description the microscopic theory of flexoelectricity is also addressed. Electro-optic effects due to or modified by flexoelectricity as well as various (direct and indirect) measurement methods are discussed. Special emphasis is given to the role of flexoelectricity in pattern-forming instabilities.While the main focus of the book lies in flexoelectricity in nematic liquid crystals, peculiarities of other mesophases (bent-core systems, cholesterics, and smectics) are also reviewed. Flexoelectricity has relevance to biological (living) systems and can also offer possibilities for technical applications. The basics of these two interdisciplinary fields are also summarized.
Table of ContentsPreface - the Concept of Flexoelectricity (R Meyer); Molecular Theory of Flexoelectricity in Nematics (M Osipov); Flexoelectro-optics and Measurements of Flexocoefficients (N V Madhusudana); Flexoelectricity of Bent Core Molecules (A Jakli & N Aeber); The Role of Flexoelectricity in Pattern Formation (A Buka et al.); Flexoelectro-optic Chiral Nematic Based Devices and Displays (H Coles & S Morris); Flexoelectricity in Chiral Polar Smectics - The Origin of Interactions to Distant Layers (M Cepic); Flexoelectricity in Biological and Lyotropic Systems (A Petrov); Applications of the Flexoelectric Effect (S T Lagerwall & P Rudquist).
