title: Dynamics of the nematic phase of a bent-core liquid crystal.
abstract: The dielectric fluctuations in the uniaxial nematic phase of a bent-core liquid crystal have been studied by dynamic light scattering. Polarization selection of the scattering cross-section reveals one mode due to ordinary director fluctuations and, in the lower part of the nematic phase, a second mode attributable to fluctuations of the biaxial order parameter. The director fluctuations are approximately 100 times slower than observed in typical nematics based on straight-core molecules, suggesting that the bent core nematogenic units may be microscopic smectic domains ("cybotactic" clusters).
authors.affiliation: Department of Physics, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Stojadinovic
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Adorjan
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sprunt
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Sawade
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Jakli