Abstract
We measure optically the quadrupolar order S induced by a stabilizing electric field E in the isotropic phase of the nematogenic 4’-n-pentyl-4-cyanobiphenyl, with large positive dielectric anisotropy ∼10. For high enough field and low enough temperature, a paranematic-nematic first-order transition is induced, with a critical point at =1.41× V/cm, =+0.65 K, and =0.15, where is the nematic-isotropic phase-transition temperature.
- Received 14 April 1993
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.48.3822
©1993 American Physical Society