Application of Thomson-Thomson equations and weak electrolyte theory to smectic a and nematic liquid crystals. A comparison

A comparison of current vs time relationships obtained experimentally and calculated on the basis of Thomson-Thomson and weak electrolyte models. It was found that the weak electrolyte model properly describes the state of nematic liquid crystals and the Thomson model can be utilized for the description of smectic liquid crystals. This agreement is observed only in “pure” materials for times comparable with the time of flight of ions across the sample.