Magnetic and electric birefringence in the isotropic phase of a nematic of large positive dielectric anisotropy

Abstract

Magnetic (b.DeltanH) and electric birefringence (b.DeltanE) in the isotropic phase of strongly positive (b.Delta 8)trans-p-n-octyloxy agr-methyl-p'-cyanophenyl cinnamate (8 OMCPC) have been measured. It is established that they both exhibit a (T - T*)-1 dependence, TNI - T* being 1.4 K. Also, the induced birefringence is found to be proportional to the square of the applied field, magnetic or electric.