Electric-field-induced deformation of chiral smectic A liquid-crystalline elastomers composed of cholesterol derivative mesogens

Mechanical responses to electric stimulation in a side-chain chiral smectic A elastomer composed of cholesterol derivative mesogens were investigated. Electric-field-induced shear deformation, caused by the electroclinic effect, was observed in the chiral smectic A phase with a wide temperature range between 40°C and 120°C. In addition, electric-field-induced bend deformation was recognized in the temperature region of the isotropic state.