Abstract
Polarization of electric double layers of colloidal rods due to an external alternating electric field is found to give rise to several phase/state transitions. Various phases and states are observed depending on the frequency and amplitude of the external electric field: i) non-chiral nematic domains (N-domains) in coexistence with an isotropic phase, ii) a chiral-nematic phase in the presence of the N-domains, iii) a chiral nematic phase, where now the N-domains are smaller and disconnected, and iv) dynamic states where the chiral nematic is melted, in the presence of disappearing and forming N-domains. Beyond a critical frequency (in the kHz range) the only stable state is the isotropic state. The phase/state diagram in the field amplitude vs. frequency plane is determined by means of polarization microscopy. In selected parts of the phase diagram, dynamic light scattering, electric birefringence and chiral-pitch measurements are performed to elucidate the nature of transition lines.