‘Guest–host’ effect in liquid crystal mixtures

The most important goal of our research is to show the influence of the ‘guest’ (bent-core mesogen, 1,3-phenyldicarboxylatebis{4-[(4-octylbenzoyl)sulphanyl]phenyl} [IFOS8], banana-shaped liquid crystal [BLC]) on the ‘host’ (calamitic liquid crystal [CLC], (S)-(+)-1-methylheptyloxybiphenyl-(4-n-octylphenyl)thiobenzoate [MHOBS8]), on the stability and the destabilization of the antiferroelectric B2 and the ferroelectric smectic C* (SmC*) phases, and change of the temperature ranges of other phases in the binary liquid crystal mixtures. This work is focused on polymorphism of three new binary liquid crystal mixtures, exhibiting a ‘guest–host’ (guest liquid crystal–host liquid crystal [GH-LC]) effect. MHOBS8 has, among others, a ferroelectric SmC* phase, and IFOS8 assumes the B2 phase with antiferroelectric properties. The observed properties of the mixtures, such as variation of the phase transition temperatures, spontaneous polarization, tilt angle and switching time, are characteristic of a ‘guest–host’ mixture. The influence of BLC on the character of the interactions within the CLC host is discussed, with particular attention paid to electro-optical properties of the GH-LC mixtures.     

Effects of nanoparticle doping on the phase transitional behaviour of ferroelectric liquid crystal Langmuir–Blodgett composite films

Langmuir–Blodgett films of ferroelectric liquid crystals (FLCs) doped with a low concentration of functionalized Al: ZnO (AZO) nanoparticles were prepared and characterized. Pressure–area isotherms show that the nanoparticles as well as FLC composite systems have the capability to form stable monolayers at the air–water interface. The molecular interaction between nanoparticles and FLC molecules increased during barrier compression, which resulted in increased surface pressure. We observed various phases in isotherms with increasing concentration of nanoparticles in the FLC matrix. An X-ray diffraction profile at a low angle confirmed that FLCs retain their layer structure at a low concentration doping of AZO nanoparticles in the FLC matrix. Atomic force microscopy images indicate that low wt% composites are uniformly deposited without disturbing the translation behaviour of SmC* liquid crystals.     

Dynamic magnonic crystal based on a layered ferrite–ferroelectric structure

A dynamic magnonic crystal based on a planar multiferroid ferrite–ferroelectric structure is suggested and studied. A space-periodic electric field applied to the ferroelectric layer converts a regular multi-ferroid waveguide to a periodic structure. An electrodynamic model of a dynamic magnonic crystal is constructed, and its dispersion and transfer characteristics are studied.     

Molecular aspect ratio and anchoring strength effects in a confined Gay–Berne liquid crystal

Phase diagrams for Gay–Berne (GB) fluids were obtained from molecular dynamics simulations for GB(2, 5, 1, 2) (i.e. short mesogens) and GB(3, 5, 1, 2) (i.e. long mesogens), which yield isotropic, nematic, and smectic-B phases. The long-mesogen fluid also yields the smectic-A phase. Ordered phases of the long-mesogen fluid form at higher temperatures and lower densities when compared to those of the short-mesogen fluid. The effect of confinement under weak and strong substrate couplings in slab geometry was investigated. Compared to the bulk, the isotropic–nematic transition does not shift in temprature significantly for the weakly coupled substrate in either mesogen fluid. However, the strongly coupled substrate shifts the transition to lower temperature. Confinement induces marked stratification in the short-mesogen fluid. This effect diminishes with distance from the substrate, yielding bulk-like behaviour in the slab central region. Fluid stratification is very weak for the long-mesogen fluid, but the strongly coupled substrate induces ‘smectisation’, an ordering effect that decays with distance. Orientation of the fluid on the substrate depends on the mesogen. There is no preferred orientation in a plane parallel to the substrate for the weakly coupled case. In the strongly coupled case, the mesogen orientation mimics that of adjacent fluid layers. Planar anchoring is observed with a broad distribution of orientations in the weakly coupled case. In the strongly coupled case, the distribution leans toward planar orientations for the short-mesogen fluid, while a marginal preference for tilting persists in the long-mesogen fluid.     

The effect of finite response–time in coupled dynamical systems

The paper investigates synchronization in unidirectionally coupled dynamical systems wherein the influence of drive on response is cumulative: coupling signals are integrated over a time interval τ. A major consequence of integrative coupling is that the onset of the generalized and phase synchronization occurs at higher coupling compared to the instantaneous (τ?=?0) case. The critical coupling strength at which synchronization sets in is found to increase with τ. The systems explored are the chaotic Rössler and limit cycle (the Landau–Stuart model) oscillators. For coupled Rössler oscillators the region of generalized synchrony in the phase space is intercepted by an asynchronous region which corresponds to anomalous generalized synchronization.     

Clark–Lagerwall effect in the small particles—Ferroelectric liquid crystal system

The smectic C* based on a three-component mixture of liquid crystals (LC) with not mesogene chiral additive and showing ferroelectric properties has been developed. The physical parameters which are responsible for electrooptical effects are defined. The Clark–Lagerwall effect both in the pure smectic C* and with the additive of small particles of the centrosymmetric substance Al₂O₃ and the ferroelectric SrTiO₃ is investigated. It has been shown that time characteristics of a cell with LC-Al₂O₃ are a little bit worsened in comparison with a cell with pure LC. It is caused by increase of the rotational viscosity of the ferroelectric liquid crystal with addition of small particles Al₂O₃. Time characteristics of the Clark–Lagerwall effect in the LC-SrTiO₃ cell essentially surpass time characteristics of the cell with pure LC because the transition from the deformed UP-state to the DOWN-state demands overcoming much lower energy than the transition from the pure UP-condition to the DOWN-state.     

Investigation on the nonlinear optical properties of the DCNP/PEK-c guest–host polymer films

The polyetherketone (PEK-c) guest-host polymer thin films doped with 3-(1,1-dicyanothenyl)-1-phenyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-pryazole (DCNP) were prepared. The polymer films were investigated with in situ second-harmonic generation (SHG) measurement. The corona poling temperature was optimized by the temperature dependence of the in situ SHG signal intensity under the poling electric field applying. The temporal and temperature stability of the second-order properties of the poled polymer film were measured by the in situ SHG signal intensity probing. The second-order NLO coefficient L₃₃⁽²⁾=32.65 pm/V at 5=1064 nm was determined by using the Maker fringe method after poling under the optimal poling condition. The dispersion of the NLO coefficient of the guest-host polymer system was determined by the measured value of L₃₃⁽²⁾ at 1064 nm and the two-level model.     

Condensation of gold vapour on silicone oil – effect of the liquid substrate

When gold vapour condenses onto a liquid substrate, the inherent structure of the liquid could influence the condensate growth and coverage. A thorough comparison between the liquid (silicone oil) and solid (amorphous carbon) substrates is reported by analysing the changes in their condensate growth. Low condensate coverage with large areas of empty regions is observed on the liquid surface in contrast to the solid carbon surface displaying uniformly distributed gold clusters at all times. This is deduced to be caused by the incoming gold atoms restricting the liquid molecules’ degrees of freedom upon binding. This effect could perturb the entire liquid structure, causing the liquid to collectively act against the adsorption of gold atoms. This could lead to differences in growth kinetics on the liquid substrate and can account for the observed dissimilarity in condensate coverage. The substrate structure effect discussed here serves as a step forward for utilizing liquid substrates for a variety of potential applications.     

Rashba spin–orbit effect on dwell time in graphene asymmetrical barrier

Monodisperse and spherical α-alumina nanoparticles with a narrow size distribution in range of 11–18 nm have been prepared via the simple chemical precipitation and a new heat-treatment method, namely isolation-medium-assisted calcination. As-prepared α-alumina nanoparticles were characterized by means of X-ray diffraction analyses (XRD), thermogravimetry and differential thermal analyzer (TG–DTA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and field emission transmission electron microscope (TEM). XRD results confirm that the α-alumina in corundum structure is obtained by heating at 1,000 °C for 3 h. And TEM observations reveal the additional isolation medium surrounded α-alumina precursor forms the lamella, which effectively reduces direct contacts between precursor particles and prevents the agglomerating of the aluminum hydroxides during drying process and then the sintering and growth of the alumina nanoparticles are avoided during calcination. The highly uniform and monodisperse α-alumina nanoparticles are obtained.     

Surface topography effect on sputtering angular distributions from a Fe–W alloy

Abstract

An observation of the surface structures of Fe-W alloy target irradiated by 27 keV Ar⁺ ions with a fluence of 1 × 10¹⁷/cm² is carried out to investigate the surface topography effect on the sputtering angular distributions of individual elements. The angular distribution of sputtered Fe atoms is more outward-peaked than the cosine distribution. The found pit structures with an enriched Fe concentration may be one of the major causes of the deviation of the angular distribution of sputtered Fe atoms from Sigmund's theory.     

Sonication effect on the reaction of 4-bromo-1-methylbenzene with sodium sulfide in liquid–liquid multi-site phase-transfer catalysis condition – Kinetic study

The synthesis of di-p-tolylsulfane from the reaction of 4-bromo-1-methylbenzene (BMB) with sodium sulfide was carried out using a multi-site phase-transfer catalyst (MPTC) viz., 1,4-dihexyl-1,4-diazoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octanium dibromide and ultrasonic irradiation in a liquid–liquid reaction condition. The overall reaction rate is greatly enhanced when catalyzed by multi-site phase-transfer catalyst (MPTC) combined with sonication (40 kHz, 300 W) in a batch reactor than catalyzed by MPTC without sonication. Effects on the reaction due to various operating conditions, such as agitation speed, different ultrasound frequencies, different phase-transfer catalysts, different organic solvents, the amount of MPTC, temperature, amount of sodium sulfide, effect of sodium hydroxide, volume of n-hexane and the concentration of 4-bromo-1-methylbenzene. The reaction obeys a pseudo first-order rate law and a suitable mechanism was proposed based on the experimental observation.     

Theoretical analysis on phase behaviour of a liquid crystalline material – effect of molecular motions

Molecular structure, and phase behaviour of 2-Cyano-N-[4-(4-n-pentyloxybenzoyloxy)-benzylidene] aniline (CPBBA) has been reported with respect to translational and orientational motions. The atomic net charge and dipole moment components at each atomic centre have been evaluated using the complete neglect differential overlap (CNDO/2) method. The modified Rayleigh–Schrodinger perturbation theory along with multicentered–multipole expansion method has been employed to evaluate the long-range intermolecular interactions, while a ‘6-exp’ potential function has been assumed for short-range interactions. The interaction energy values obtained through these computations have been used as input to calculate the configurational probability at room temperature (300 K), and nematic–isotropic transition temperature (396.5 K). On the basis of stacking, in-plane, and terminal interaction energy calculations, all possible geometrical arrangements between the molecular pairs have been considered. Molecular arrangements inside a bulk of materials have been discussed in terms of their relative order. Further, translational rigidity parameter has been estimated as a function of temperature to understand the phase behaviour of the compound. The present model is helpful to understand the effect of molecular motions on ordering, and phase behaviour of the mesogenic compounds.     

Experimental investigation of the effect of nozzle numbers on Ranque–Hilsch vortex tube performance

The present study investigates the effects of the orifice nozzle number and the inlet pressure experimentally on the cooling performance of the counter flow-type vortex tube. The energy generation has been conducted using a stream-tek generator (model GNMD-KIT) with different numbers of nozzles (2, 3, and 6), an aspect ratio of 1:6, and an inner diameter of 7.5 mm. In the experiments, for each of the orifices, inlet pressures have been adjusted from 200–600 kPa. The energy separation investigated here focuses on the cold temperature difference and coefficient of performance for cooling. The experimental results concluded in this article prove that the greatest effect of nozzle number is for three nozzles, and hence, that nozzle number could affect the energy separation efficiently. A comparison of the present experiments with other published works has been conducted. An analytical study of the characteristics equation has been carried out to evaluate the best correlation of the ratio of cold temperature difference to the inlet temperature as a function of pressure, cold mass fraction, and nozzle number.     

Spectral investigations on 2,3-bis(chloromethyl)-1,4- anthraquinone: solvent effects and host–guest interactions

Solvent effects on 2,3-bis(chloromethyl)-1,4-anthraquinone (DCMAQ) and the molecular recognition of DCMAQ in calix[8]arene were investigated using optical absorption and fluorescence emission techniques. Optical absorption spectra show n→π^* band in 350–500 nm region. It also indicates that the dipole–dipole interaction and solvent reorganization energies are responsible for the observed features in different solvents. The observed quantum yield of DCMAQ in different solvents is due to the formation of intermolecular hydrogen bond and reorientation of solvent molecule in the excited state of DCMAQ. Excited state dipole moment of DCMAQ is calculated by solvatochromic data and it shows a higher excited state dipole moment than ground state dipole moment. Optical absorption and fluorescence studies of DCMAQ in calix[8]arene elucidate the evidence for the formation of complex between DCMAQ and calix[8]arene. The inclusion ratios and inclusion constant of the host–guest complexes are also determined.     

Large-range liquid level sensor based on an optical fibre extrinsic Fabry–Perot interferometer

We propose an efficient approach to develop large-range liquid level sensors based on an extrinsic Fabry–Perot optical fibre interferometer with an all fused-silica structure and CO₂ laser heating fusion bonding technology. The sensor exhibits signatures of a high sensitivity of 5.3 nm/kPa (36.6 nm/psi), a resolution of 6.8 Pa (9.9×10⁻⁴ psi) and an extreme low temperature dependence of 0.013 nm/°C. As a result, a high resolution of the water level measurement of approximately 0.7 mm on the length scale of 5 m and small errors of the water pressure measurement induced by the temperature dependence within 0.0025 kPa/°C (0.00036 psi/°C, water level 0.25 mm/°C) are achieved, thus providing useful applications for the detection of the large-range liquid level in harsh environments.     

Steric effect is a decisive factor on the orientation preference of guest into host: evidence from 5-indanol/β-CD model

The present study evidences the role of steric effect in the orientation preference of guest into host using the 1:1 inclusion complex of 5-indanol/β-CD model. Two different orientations of guest (5-indanol) into host (β-CD) are considered for the inclusion of 5-indanol into the cavity through the 2° rim of β-CD. The energy differences in the inclusion process are calculated using PM3 semi-empirical method and HF/6-31G^** basis set. By the investigation of stabilisation energies, it is found that the energy of both orientations increases to maximum value due to the increase of steric repulsive effect when the crowding of bulky group of 5-indanol occurs at 1° or 2° rim of β-CD. On comparing the fluorescence spectral data of 5-indanol:β-CD complex and 2-napthol:β-CD complex, it is observed that the steric effect is intensified due to the presence of bulky group.     

Calculation of electric field–temperature (E,T) phase diagram of a ferroelectric liquid crystal near the SmA–SmC_α~* transition

In this work we perform a theoretical calculation in order to reconstitute the(E–T) phase diagram of a chiral smectic liquid crystal in the vicinity of the SmA–SmC_α~* transition. This reconstruction is carried out on the basis of a thermodynamic calculation of the slope of the curve joining the SmC_α~* domain and the unwound SmC~*. An empiric correction of the mean field term of Landau De-Gennes development is necessary to accomplish this reconstruction. Thereafter, an experimental validation is performed to verify our calculations.     

Critical behaviour of the smectic A*–C* phase transition and electroclinic effect of ferroelectric liquid crystals with terphenyl rigid core

The SmA*–SmC* phase transition was studied by measuring the temperature and electric field dependences of the optical tilt angle, the electric polarisation and the dielectric spectra collected in a wide frequency range. Critical behaviour of the phase transition was analysed by varying the length of the fluorinated part of the alkyl terminal chain and by differing fluorine substitution in the terphenyl core. Both tilt and polarisation show tricritical mean-field behaviour for all homologues with n?>?2. Almost all coefficients that describe the SmA*–SmC* transition in the frame of the Landau theory were derived for homologue series. Double fluorine substitution in the central ring of the core seems to promote the ‘de Vries'-type smectic A*–C* phase transition with a little layer shrinkage. These well correspond with the lower tilt angle and smaller changes of the birefringence at the phase transition compared to the other homologues.     

The effect of base thickness on the reverse volt–ampere characteristic of an S-diode

The effect of base thickness (π-layer thickness d _π) on the reverse current-voltage characteristic and the switching voltage U _sw in a diffusion avalanche S-diode is studied. It is shown that the current-voltage characteristic shape is independent of d _π, whereas the switching voltage U _sw weakly decreases (to 40%) with a significant (4–5-fold) decrease in d _π. It is assumed that the results obtained can be explained, taking into account electron injection from the forward-biased contact to the π-layer. Translated from Izvestiya Vysshikh Uchebnykh Zavedenii, Fizika, No. 2, pp. 48–53, February, 2009.     

Analysis of twisted nematic liquid crystal Fabry–Perot interferometer (TN-FPI) filter based on the coupled mode theory

The tuning characteristics of a twisted nematic (TN) liquid crystal (LC) Fabry–Perot interferometer (FPI) wavelength filter, which is a basic component of wavelength division multiplexed transmission systems, is analyzed using coupled mode theory. First, a simplified modeling of the refractive index change in the LC layer is presented. Next, various characteristics of the eigen polarization modes of the LC medium and the cavity are derived analytically. Finally, the qualitative interpretation of the behavior of the FPI's resonance spectrum are given.