Refractive index dispersions of liquid crystals

Refractive indices of two nematic liquid crystals, 5CB and 5PCH, were measured from the 400- to 800-nm region at various temperatures. Results fit the three-band model well. Through comparisons, the contributions of σ and π 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.