Observation of a possible tetrahedratic phase in bent-core

ORAL

Abstract

Combined measurements of optical birefringence induced by high magnetic fields and dynamic light scattering have been performed on bent-core liquid crystals at temperatures above their clearing points. The results of these measurements provide compelling evidence of a phase transition between two optically isotropic phases that is consistent with the development of a novel ``tetrahedratic" form of orientational order.

*NSF grants DMR-0606160, DMS-0456221,DMR-9988614, DMR-0084173

Authors

  • David Wiant

    • Kent State University
  • Krishna Neupane

  • Sunil Sharma

  • Antal Jaklu

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

    • Department of Physics, Kent State University
  • Samael Sprunt

    • Department of Physics, Kent State University