Faster electro optical switching with a highly viscous Nematic Liquid Crystal mixture

This paper concentrates on the switching dynamics of a Nematic Liquid Crystal light modulator. This Liquid Crystal, called 1294-1b, has outstanding optical properties such as high birefringence which makes it a promising material for optical applications. Though this potential has been already implicated in optical data storage and integrated optics, it's high viscosity limits the application in light modulators and electro-optics. This paper uses methods such as alternation in sample thickness, temperature and applied voltage to overcome this shortage. Finally, with the mentioned techniques a variety of switching times ranging from seconds to micro second are obtained.