Abstract
Null-transmission ellipsometry has been conducted to study the molecular arrangements in free-standing films of one chiral compound above the bulk smectic-A–smectic- transition temperature. Upon cooling under a proper electric field, a nonplanar-anticlinic-synclinic or a nonplanar-synclinic transition has been observed. The nonplanar structure continuously evolves into the anticlinic or synclinic structures. Increasing electric field can induce a rare transition from a synclinic to an anticlinic structure.
- Received 12 September 2003
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.68.060702
©2003 American Physical Society