Fluctuation Modes of a Bent-Core Nematic Liquid Crystal

ORAL

Abstract

We present a dynamic light scattering study of the bent-core nematic liquid crystal compound \textit{DT6Py6E6.} We utilize a ``dark'' scattering geometry, which allows us to search for fluctuation modes that are not purely associated with the uniaxial director. Indeed, we observe two modes (hydrodynamic and non-hydrodynamic) in addition to the expected twist-bend director mode. We present a model for the additional modes based on fluctuations of the biaxial order parameter, which leads to an estimate of 10-100 nm for the correlation length associated with these fluctuations.

*Acknowledgement: NSF DMR-0606160.

Authors

  • Madhabi Majumdar

    • Physics Department, Kent State University
  • Saonti Chakraborty

    • Physics Department, Kent State University
  • Yogesh Singh

    • Physics Department, Kent State University
  • James T. Gleeson

    • Physics Department, Kent State University
  • Antal Jakli

    • LCI, Kent State University
  • Samuel Sprunt

    • Physics Department, Kent State University