Layer-by-layer transitions in liquid crystals

Employing our free-standing film calorimetric system. we have identified three remarkable layer-by-layer transitions in several liquid crystal compounds. Each of these transitions can be well described by the simple power-law form:L = L 0 t. The layering transitions liMind near the smectic-A- hexatic-B and smectic-A crystal-B transitions are well characterized by the exponent v≈ 1 3. This value is consistent with models based on a van der Wads-like dominant intermolecular interaction. Another novel layer-by-layer thinning transition has been discovered above the hulk smectic-A isotropic transition of a perfluorinated liquid crystal compound. The value of the exponent obtained, v ≈ 3 4. cannot he easily explained using familiar models.