Refractive indices and birefringence of hybrid liquid crystal - nanoparticles composite materials in the terahertz region

Abstract

We show that a hybrid LC-ferroelectric nanoparticle suspension of liquid crystal E7 doped with BaTiO3 nanoparticles leads to 10% increase in birefringence in the THz region of spectrum as compared to pure E7. Doped liquid crystals can be used to increase performance of THz modulators and waveplates. BaTiO3 nanoparticles used in the mixture were synthesised with the sol gel technique, and their refractive index has been measured in THz in powder form and in solution.