THz Properties of Nematic Liquid Crystals

We systematically study the terahertz (THz) properties of a set of nematic liquid crystals. We use THz time domain spectroscopy to obtain data between 0.2 THz up to 2.5 THz. Such a broadband set of terahertz data has not yet been reported. From the measured data, we extract macroscopic data, such as the birefringence, the refractive indices and the absorption coefficients for ordinary and extraordinary polarization. The impact of different side chains and core structures on the terahertz anisotropy are discussed. This paper will serve as a data base and can be very useful for the design of new terahertz liquid crystal material.