Electric Field-Induced Migration of SiO 2 Particles in Smectic Liquid Crystal

The electric field-induced migration of SiO2 particles along a smectic layer has been observed in smectic liquid crystal. SiO2 particles migrate in a sandwiched planer cell of the liquid crystal upon application of an ac electric field. The trace of moved particles is dependent on the alignment of the host liquid crystal molecules. In the phase with a layer structure, such as smectic A and C phases, the particles migrate along the smectic layer, whereas they move in a circular pattern in the isotropic and nematic phases.