Optimization of the dielectric and optical parameters of 1,2,4-oxadiazole ferroelectric mesophase with the suspension of PVP capped gold nanoparticles

Abstract In the present work, the dielectric and optical parameters have been optimized for ferroelectric liquid crystal (FLC), 1,2,4-Oxadiazole compound (C12*C10) when dispersed with PVP capped gold nanoparticles (GNPs). Dielectric (permittivity, loss) and optical-spectroscopic (UV–Visible absorbance, FTIR, and photoluminescence spectra) properties have been investigated to probe into the effect of the electromagnetic field on pure and GNPs dispersed FLC matrix. Polarizing optical textures of GNPs dispersed FLC matrix display enhanced alignment of FLC molecules for the superior performance in optical devices. The dielectric permittivity of FLC matrix has been observed to be decreasing with increase in concentration of GNPs as function of temperature due to the charge transfer properties between FLC and GNPs. The relaxation frequency is shifted to the low-frequency region in case of low concentration of GNPs in ferroelectric mesophase. UV–Visible absorbance of the synthesized composites is used to calculate optical density and skin depth of the materials. The phenomenon of surface plasmon resonance observed in GNPs has been employed to probe in the utility of the FLC driven optical waveguide designing. The experimental results may be utilized in the fabrication of opto-communication network device and optical sensors.