<title>Refractive index dispersions of liquid crystals</title>

Refractive indices of two nematic liquid crystals: 5 CB and 5 PCH were measured from 400 to 820 nm region at various temperatures. Results fit the three-band model well. Through these comparisons, the contribution of (sigma) - and (pi) -electrons to the refractive indices and birefringence of uniaxial liquid crystals are evaluated quantitatively. These physical insights are useful for tailoring liquid crystal molecules with proper refractive indices.