title: Two-dimensional hexagonal smectic structure formed by topological defects.
abstract: A two-dimensional hexagonal smectic structure formed by point topological defects and intersecting defect walls was discovered. This unique structure was predicted theoretically about 30 years ago but not observed. For a long time the hexagonal structure was a challenge for experimentalists. A different type of self-organization in smectic films was found and used to form the hexagonal structure. Methods applied for building the hexagonal phase can be used for the formation of complicated liquid-crystal structures.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Solid State Physics RAS, 143432 Chernogolovka, Moscow Region, Russia.|Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, 141700 Dolgoprudny, Moscow Region, Russia.
authors.forename: P V
authors.initials: PV
authors.lastname: Dolganov
authors.affiliation: Institute of Solid State Physics RAS, 143432 Chernogolovka, Moscow Region, Russia.|Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, 141700 Dolgoprudny, Moscow Region, Russia.
authors.forename: N S
authors.initials: NS
authors.lastname: Shuravin
authors.affiliation: Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, Trinity College, University of Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland.
authors.forename: Atsuo
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Fukuda