Polarization‐Dependent Synaptic‐Like Electro‐Optical Response in Ferroelectric Nematic Liquid Crystals

ABSTRACT Ferroelectric nematic liquid crystals (FNLCs) exhibit spontaneous polarization and can be reoriented at low electric fields, enabling their use in electro‐optical applications. However, poor remanent polarization ( P r ) poses a significant barrier to the technology adoption of FNLCs. This study aims to overcome this hurdle by modifying the electrode–molecule interfaces of FNLCs with semiconductors to enhance P r . FNLCs with various semiconductor‐modified interfaces are characterized by polarization and current measurements, while optical responses are probed via second‐harmonic generation (SHG). Under a triangular‐shaped voltage, the semiconductor–FNLC–semiconductor (FNLC 1) configuration exhibits 1.5 times higher P r than a conventional FNLC system in the ferroelectric nematic (N F ) phase, reaching up to ∼4 µC cm − 2 at low‐switching fields (1.5–2.0 kV cm −1 ). Enhanced P r is also demonstrated with pulse programs, indicating slower relaxation of FNLC 1. This allows the system to retain the effect of previous stimulation, which is essential for emulating biological synapses through long‐ and short‐term electro‐optical responses. The cumulative current response from a single FNLC 1 unit to multiple units retains ∼90% after repeated cycles and enables optical texture modulation using the post‐current signal. Hence, the findings demonstrate the P r ‐enhancing effect of semiconductor interfaces, paving the way for low‐power synaptic‐like FNLCs.