Dynamics of the nematic phase of a bent-core liquid crystal.
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).
Stojadinovic
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Department of Physics, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA.
Adorjan
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Sprunt
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Sawade
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Jakli
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