Undulation instabilities in the meniscus of smectic membranes |
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Authors: | Loudet J C Dolganov P V Patrício P Saadaoui H Cluzeau P |
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Institution: | Université Bordeaux 1, CNRS, Centre de Recherche Paul Pascal, Avenue A. Schweitzer F-33600 Pessac, France. |
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Abstract: | Using optical microscopy, phase shifting interferometry, and atomic force microscopy, we characterize the undulated structures which appear in the meniscus of freestanding ferroelectric smectic-C* films. We demonstrate that these periodic structures correspond to undulations of the smectic-air interface. The resulting striped pattern disappears in the untilted smectic-A phase. The modulation amplitude and wavelength of the instability both depend on meniscus thickness. We study the temperature evolution and propose a model that qualitatively accounts for the observations. |
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