Electron-diffraction study on surface hexatic behavior in free-standing 4O.8 liquid-crystal films
Journal
Molecular Crystals and Liquid Crystals Science and Technology Section A: Molecular Crystals and Liquid Crystals
Journal Volume
365
Pages
515-522
Date Issued
2001
Author(s)
Abstract
Abstract An unusual sequence of three-stage surface freezing transitions has been observed in free-standing films of N-(4-n-butoxybenzylidene)-4-n-octylaniline (4O.8). The possible existence of an intermediate highly correlated liquid (smectic-A′) phase may alter our understanding of two-dimensional melting. The surface smectic-A-smectic-A′ transition is found to be first order. In addition, the adjacent crystal-B and hexatic-Blayers which appear at lower temperatures show evidence of orientational epitaxy.
Type
journal article