SAXS studies of short-range order in the nematic phase of reduced symmetry mesogens

ORAL

Abstract

Recently, we proposed a model based on persistent, nano-scale smectic-C-like domains (``smectic clusters'') to explain the features present in the small angle x-ray diffraction patterns from certain bent-core nematic liquid crystals (which do not possess an underlying smectic phase). We report on new results from a wider range of nematics formed by reduced-symmetry molecules -- including laterally-branched (``Y''-shaped) mesogens and ``H'' shaped dimers -- that also lack a low temperature smectic phase. We find that our model, extended to incorporate the notion of staggered molecular arrangements, is successful in reproducing the SAXS patterns and reveals variation in the temperature-dependence of cluster size among different systems. Supported by NSF DMR-0964765.

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Authors

  • S. Chakraborty

    Department of Physics, Kent State University

  • N. Diorio

    Liquid Crystal Institute, Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program and Liquid Crystal Institute, Kent State University, Kent State University

  • Cuiyu Zhang

    Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program and Liquid Crystal Institute, Kent State University, Kent State University

  • R. Breckon

    Department of Chemistry, Kent State University

  • Oleg Twieg

    Department of Chemistry, Kent State University, Kent State University

  • J.T. Gleeson

    Department of Physics, Kent State University, Kent State University

  • Antal Jakli

    Liquid Crystal Institute, Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program and Liquid Crystal Institute, Kent State University, Kent State University, Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program

  • S. Sprunt

    Department of Physics, Kent State University, Kent State University