Abstract
Three experimental probes have been employed to investigate the nature of the smectic-[Formula presented]–smectic-[Formula presented] ([Formula presented]) phase transition of one liquid-crystal compound showing almost no layer-shrinkage effect through the transition. Results from both x-ray diffraction and optical studies indicate that the compound exhibits a crossover behavior of different molecular packing arrangements within the bulk [Formula presented] phase window. The calorimetry results show a significant critical anomaly near the [Formula presented] transition, although it was found to be weakly first order.
Original language | English (US) |
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Number of pages | 1 |
Journal | Physical Review E - Statistical Physics, Plasmas, Fluids, and Related Interdisciplinary Topics |
Volume | 69 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jan 1 2004 |