Teaching Chaos Through Electro-Optics in Nematic Liquid Crystals and AI

The teaching of chaos and nonlinear dynamics remains a significant challenge in physics education, as these concepts are often introduced through abstract mathematical models that are difficult to visualize. In this work, we propose an experimental approach based on electro-optics in nematic liquid crystals as an effective and accessible platform for teaching these phenomena. In particular, the system exhibits a transition from ordered convective patterns to strongly disordered turbulent regimes, which can be directly observed in real time using simple optical techniques. This experimental framework enables students to explore key concepts of nonlinear physics, including instability thresholds, pattern formation, and the emergence of complex dynamical behavior. The transition occurs through the nucleation and growth of turbulent domains, facilitating the understanding of nonequilibrium dynamics. From a pedagogical perspective, the proposed experiment combines strong visual impact with experimental controllability and accessibility, making it suitable for undergraduate students in physics, mathematics, and engineering. Furthermore, the integration of AI-assisted analysis provides students with an accessible framework to process experimental data, identify dynamical regimes, and explore complex systems through novel data-driven methodologies.