Abstract
We report the discovery of a new smectic- liquid-crystal phase with six-layer periodicity by resonant x-ray diffraction. Upon cooling, the new phase appears between the phase having a helical structure and the phase with four-layer periodicity. This phase was identified in two mixtures which have an unusual reversed phase sequence. The phase shows a distorted clock structure. Three theoretical models have predicted the existence of a six-layer phase. However, our experimental findings are not consistent with the theories.
- Received 9 November 2009
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.104.027801
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