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We demonstrate the electro-optic control of self-confined beams via frequency modulation in dual-frequency nematic liquid crystals. Proper design of comb electrodes in a planar cell allows the maximization of the overall steering angle when only walk-off variations are used. A span angle as large as two times the maximum walk-off angle is achieved.

The size, size distribution and shape of ferroelectric BaTiO3 nanoparticles were determined using three different imaging techniques. The nanoparticles fabricated by milling microcrystals were found to have sizes of 12 ± 3 nm, 15 ± 3 nm and 18 ± 3 nm. Liquid crystal suspensions with 1% concentration of nanoparticles were prepared and their dielectric and optical anisotropy were measured. It is shown that the largest particles lead to the strongest enhancement of dielectric and optical anisotropy, as compared with undoped liquid crystals.