EHD instability of a nematic under a transverse electric field

Abstract

The electrohydrodynamic instability of a homogeneously aligned nematic subject to a transverse AC electric field parallel to the bounding plates is analysed theoretically. The threshold field and wavevector are calculated using the Galerkin approximation. The resulting phase diagram has many similarities with that of the standard geometry. However, in the present geometry two distinct solutions are possible in both the conduction and dielectric regimes. We have also conducted an experimental investigation in this geometry. There is broad agreement between the observed and theoretical trends.