Study of Magnetic Fredericksz Transition in Ferronematics

The magnetic Fredericksz transition in ferronematics (thermotropic nematic liquid crystals 7CB and MBBA combined with fine magnetic particles of a size 10 nm) as a function of concentration of magnetic particles was studied by using simple dielectric measurements. The increase of the threshold magnetic field is observed in 7CB based ferronematic while the decrease of threshold field in MBBA based ferronematic is observed when the concentration of magnetic particles is increased. Experimental results are discussed in the framework of Brochard, de Gennes and Burylov, Raikher theories.