Layer structure deformation and electro-optic response in electroclinic effect

Switching in layer structure and molecular orientation due to the electroclinic effect was studied by means of X-ray and light transmittance measurements. The followings were confirmed; (1) A bookshelf layer structure in an unperturbed state deforms in part to bend or tilt. The layer tilt angle linearly increases with increasing field strength. (2) Normalized transmittance change between crossed polarizers is independent of an applied field strength, and is described by an exponential function composed of at least two decay times. The second component may be attributed to the layer structure change.