title: Feedback-induced first-order Freedericksz transition in a nematic film.
abstract: It is shown that optical-electrical feedback can transform the Freedericksz transition in a nematic film from second order to first order. The criteria that indicate whether the Freedericksz transition is first or second order are obtained. The hysteresis accompanying the first-order transition versus the feedback intensity is discussed. The feedback-induced first-order Freedericksz transition has been observed experimentally. The experimental results are in good agreement with the theoretical analysis.
authors.forename: P Y
authors.initials: PY
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: H J
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.forename: J H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Dai