Surface ordering transitions at a liquid crystal-solid interface above the isotropic smectic-A transition

The degree of orientational order induced by confining cylindrical surfaces is monitored via deuteron nuclear magnetic resonance linesplitting and linewidth above the smectic-A to isotropic phase transition. The orientational order strongly depends on the length of the surfactant coupling molecule,...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inPhysical review letters Vol. 90; no. 1; p. 015504
Main Authors Jin, T, Crawford, G P, Crawford, R J, Zumer, S, Finotello, D
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 10.01.2003
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Summary:The degree of orientational order induced by confining cylindrical surfaces is monitored via deuteron nuclear magnetic resonance linesplitting and linewidth above the smectic-A to isotropic phase transition. The orientational order strongly depends on the length of the surfactant coupling molecule, on the surface coverage, and on the liquid crystal. Continuous and stepwise growth of orientational order and surface-induced orientational order transitions found in the isotropic phase are explained in terms of a simplified model of surface-induced layering and molecular self-diffusion.
ISSN:0031-9007
DOI:10.1103/PhysRevLett.90.015504