Abstract
We have used x-ray diffraction to study oriented strands of hexa-hexylthiotriphenylene discotic liquid crystals. The low-temperature phase consists of a triangular array of columns with periodic positional and incommensurate helical intracolumn order. A three-column superlattice results from the frustration imposed by molecular interdigitation in triangular symmetry. We suggest that the transition is driven by the increase in hydrocarbon tail stiffness and length with decreasing temperature.
- Received 4 May 1988
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.61.1202
©1988 American Physical Society