Unique electrical and optical properties of polyacetylene derivatives in liquid crystal phase

Summary form only given. Polyacetylene derivatives substituted with long side chains containing mesogen unit such as poly[5-(p-(trans-4´-n-alkylcyclohexyl)phenoxy)-1-alkyne] exhibit unique liquid crystalline behavior. Dielectric constant of PPCH803A increases stepwise at the phase transition temperature between solid and liquid crystal phases, and the stepwise change is observed at the phase transition to liquid phase. Unique dependences of dielectric constant and optical transmission on the magnitude and frequency of applied voltage and magnetic field have been observed. The results are interpreted in terms of orientations of side chain of mesogen unit and also polymer main chain as functions of applied voltage and magnetic field.