Surface-freezing transitions and novel tilted hexatic phases in smectic liquid-crystal films
Journal
Physical Review Letters
Journal Volume
78
Journal Issue
13
Pages
2581-2584
Date Issued
1997
Author(s)
Abstract
We report the first unambiguous identification in a thermotropic liquid crystal of a hexatic smectic-L a phase with molecular tilt direction intermediate between those of the smectic-I and smectic-F, using electron diffraction in free-standing films of 5-(4″-hexyl,34′-fluoro-p-terphenyl-4-oxy)-pentanoic acid ethyl ester. Our structural data directly support the proposed explanation of the unusual stripe phase observed optically. We also describe multiple surface-freezing transitions which occur at lower temperatures and involve novel tilted crystal phases. © 1997 American Physical Society.
Type
journal article