Two distinct modulated layer structures of an asymmetric bent-shape smectic liquid crystal |
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Authors: | Cuiyu Zhang Nicholas Diorio S Radhika BK Sadashiva Samuel N Sprunt |
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Institution: | 1. Liquid Crystal Institute, Kent State University , Kent , USA;2. Raman Research Institute , Bangalore , India;3. Department of Physics , Kent State University , Kent , USA |
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Abstract: | We present chemical synthesis, polarising optical microscopy, electric current, and small-angle X-ray scattering measurements on a strongly anisotropic bent-shape liquid crystal material. We find that it has two layer-undulated ferroelectric phases, M1 and M2. In the higher temperature M2 phase the undulation amplitude and period increases on cooling, similar to other published materials. It can be identified with a tilted modulated phase. In the M1 phase the molecular plane is not tilted, and – in sharp contrast with all prior observations – the modulation amplitude and period decrease on cooling. These observations can be explained with a ‘leaning’ director structure, where the leaning angle is decreasing on cooling. |
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