Abstract |
We report on measurements of magnetic-field induced nematic order in the bent-core liquid crystal 4-chlororesorcinol bis[4-(4-n-dodecyloxybenzoyloxy) benzoate]. Using the 31 T solenoid at the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, we have observed, at temperatures less than 1 degrees above the clearing point, a first-order transition to the nematic phase. The critical magnetic field at which this occurs increases with temperature. We discuss these results within the context of both Maier-Saupe and Landau-de Gennes mean-field models for the nematic-isotropic transition. The implications of possible tetrahedratic order are also discussed. To our knowledge, this is the first observation of such a magnetic-field induced transition in a thermotropic liquid crystal; the reasons for which this behavior is now attainable are discussed.
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Recommended Citation |
Ostapenko, T.; Wiant, D. B.; Sprunt, Samuel N.; Jakli, Antal; Gleeson, Jim T. (2008). Magnetic-Field Induced Isotropic to Nematic Liquid Crystal Phase Transition. Physical Review Letters 101(24) Retrieved from https://oaks.kent.edu/cpippubs/53
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