title: Capillary smectization and layering in a confined liquid crystal.
abstract: Using density-functional theory, we have analyzed the phase behavior of a model liquid crystal confined between two parallel, planar surfaces (i.e., the so-called slit pore). As a result of confinement, a rich phase behavior arises. The complete liquid-crystal phase diagram of the confined fluid is mapped out as a function of wall separation and chemical potential. Strong commensuration effects in the film with respect to wall separation lead to enhanced smectic ordering, which gives capillary smectization (i.e., formation of a smectic phase in the pore), or frustrated smectic ordering, which suppresses capillary smectization. These effects also produce layering transitions. Our nonlocal density-functional-based analysis provides a unified picture of all the above phenomena.
authors.affiliation: Departamento de Física Teórica de la Materia Condensada, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, E-28049 Madrid, Spain.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: de Las Heras
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Velasco
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Mederos