Dielectric Spectroscopy of Liquid Crystal Phases

Dear Colleagues,

Dielectric spectroscopy is a very comprehensive experimental technique that is widely used in the field of soft matter. It is an excellent technique for both basic and advanced investigations. Dielectric spectroscopy plays a significant role in the research of materials for display technologies because the switching phenomenon in a liquid crystal medium is controlled by the electric field.

By using dielectric spectroscopy, we can characterize phase and phase transitions and study the dynamics of molecular relaxations. Furthermore, we can measure dielectric and conductivity properties. The parameters obtained from dielectric spectroscopy allow us to determine other useful parameters like viscosity and elastic constants. Studies are carried out in liquid crystal cells of very different thicknesses, from micrometers to sub-millimeters, using ITO (indium tin oxide) or gold electrodes. Dielectric measurements can be performed in various conditions. We can study the effect of low (–100°C) and high temperature (+200°C) on electric response. Moreover, the effect of the bias field, different oscillation level, pressure, and various confinements can be investigated.

We invite researchers, experimentalists, and theoreticians to contribute to this Special Issue. Our goal is to combine works describing various aspects of impedance spectroscopy in material research, especially in the case of liquid crystals. We encourage the submission of original research papers and reviews.

The potential topics of the Special Issue include, but are not limited to:

• Theory of relaxation;
• Technical aspects of dielectric measurements;
• Progress and development of methods and instrumentation;
• Electric properties of newly synthesized liquid crystal materials;
• Dielectric characterization of liquid crystals doped with particles;
• Dielectric study of ionic liquid crystals;
• Relationship between the molecular structure and the electrical properties of the medium.

Prof. Dr. Pawel Perkowski
Dr. Mateusz Mrukiewicz
Guest Editors

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