The effective response time ${\mathrm{\tau }}_{\mathrm{eff}}$ of the nematic-electroclinic effect was determined as a function of driving frequency and temperature. Near the nematic–smectic-A transition temperature ${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{N}–\mathrm{Sm}\mathrm{-}}$A, ${\mathrm{\tau }}_{\mathrm{eff}}$ was found to be a function of driving frequency, indicating the existence of more than one physical process. Several degrees above ${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{N}–\mathrm{Sm}\mathrm{-}}$A, ${\mathrm{\tau }}_{\mathrm{eff}}$ was found to be frequency independent up to 100 kHz. At these temperatures, moreover, the effective response times are quite small, of order 100 ns.

• Received 21 February 1991

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.43.7109