Orthogonal orientations for solvation of polymer molecules in smectic solvents.
We explore the solvation of single conjugated polymer molecules in a smectic liquid crystal using single molecule spectroscopy. We find evidence for two distinct orientations for solvation: the majority of polymers are narrowly orientated parallel to the nematic director, as expected, but, unexpectedly, a second population is aligned perpendicular to the director. These molecules reside in the gaps between the layers. This latter type of solvation has not been previously observed and is not expected when the density variation along the director is sinusoidal.
Center for Nano- and Molecular Science and Technology and Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, USA.
Stephan
S
Link
Wei-Shun
WS
Chang
Arun
A
Yethiraj
Paul F
PF
Barbara