Optical transmission modulation and spectral properties of self-organized nematic domains

The modulation and spectral characteristics of self-organized ensembles of nematic domains with the disclination lines non-aligned and aligned in a magnetic field have been studied using an electric field. The obtained experimental voltage dependences of the light transmission agree well with the dependences calculated using the model considerations. These dependences have been compared with the electro-optical characteristics of a homogeneous planar nematic layer. The amplitude component of the optical transmission determined by light scattering and the oscillating component caused by the phase modulation have been examined. The effect of the spectral dispersion of transmission on the electro-optical characteristics of domain ensembles has been evaluated. [Display omitted] •SEND is a promising material for light modulators.•Light modulation in SEND occurs due to interference effect in the absence of polarizers.•Light scattering in SEND is significantly reduced when disclination lines are ordered in a magnetic field.•The spectral dispersion of SEND light transmission is controlled by electrical voltage.