Low frequency dielectric relaxation and optical behaviour of a nematic liquid crystal 4-methyl n (2′-hydroxy, 4′-n-hexadecyloxy) azobenzene

Low frequency dielectric relaxation has been reported for a nematic liquid crystal in the frequency range of 1 kHz to 10 MHz and in the temperature range from 25 °C to 100 °C. The optical behaviour has also been studied by measuring the refractive indices, birefringence and optical transmittance in the temperature range mentioned above. The birefringence data have been used to calculate the order parameter by Vuks’ approach, and its variation with temperature has been discussed. Transition temperatures obtained using different techniques are found to be in good agreement with each other.