title: On the structure of the Nx phase of symmetric dimers: inferences from NMR.
abstract: NMR measurements on a selectively deuterated liquid crystal dimer CB-C9-CB, exhibiting two nematic phases, show that the molecules in the lower temperature nematic phase, N(X), experience a chiral environment and are ordered about a uniformly oriented director throughout the macroscopic sample. The results are contrasted with previous interpretations that suggested a twist-bend spatial variation of the director. A structural picture is proposed wherein the molecules are packed into highly correlated chiral assemblies.
authors.affiliation: Department of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, University of Freiburg, Albertstr. 21, 79104 Freiburg, Germany.
authors.forename: Anke
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Hoffmann
authors.forename: Alexandros G
authors.initials: AG
authors.lastname: Vanakaras
authors.forename: Alexandra
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kohlmeier
authors.forename: Georg H
authors.initials: GH
authors.lastname: Mehl
authors.forename: Demetri J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Photinos