https://doi.org/10.1140/epje/i2004-10153-6
Original Article
A phenomenological theory of the isotropic to chiral smectic-C phase transition
1
Haldia Govt. College, P.O.-Debhog, Pin-721657, Dist.-East Midnapore, India
2
Max-Planck-Institut für Polymerforschung, 55021, Mainz, Germany
3
Theoretische Physik III, Universität Bayreuth, D-95540, Bayreuth, Germany
* e-mail: pleiner@mpip-mainz.mpg.de
Received:
13
August
2004
Accepted:
18
June
2005
Published online:
9
August
2005
In this paper we discuss the direct isotropic to chiral smectic-C phase transition on the basis of a phenomenological theory. The model free energy is written in terms of the coupled order parameters including the spontaneous polarization. We present a detailed analysis of the different phases that can occur and analyze the question under which conditions a direct isotropic to chiral smectic-C phase transition is possible when compared to other phase transitions. On the basis of this model the isotropic-smectic-C* transition is always of first order. The theoretical predictions are compared with the available experimental results.-1
PACS: 64.70.Md Transitions in liquid crystals – / 05.70.Fh Phase transitions: general studies – / 61.30.-v Liquid crystals –
© EDP Sciences, Società Italiana di Fisica and Springer-Verlag, 2005
