Liquid Crystals

by Iam-Choon Khoo

Liquid Crystals offers readers a concise yet comprehensive introduction to the basic principles underlying the unique physical and optical properties of liquid crystals. Written by an internationally recognized pioneer in the field of nonlinear optics specializing in the nonlinear optics of liquid crystals, it also affords readers a rare opportunity to benefit from a leading expert's considerable professional insights into the mechanisms and theoretical principles behind nonlinear optical phenomena occurring in liquid crystals. The first part of Liquid Crystals is devoted to the physical properties of the thermotropic liquid crystals. Following a discussion of their molecular and chemical structures, the author delves into all major theoretical aspects of their isotropic and liquid crystalline phases. Receiving special attention are physical parameters such as order parameters, elastic constant, Free energy, viscosity and flows, refractive indices, and birefringence. Relatively new mat