REVIEW: Liquid crystals
Abstract
An extended tutorial review article on the physics and properties of thermotropic liquid crystals (LX) as examples of mesomorphic states. Thermotropic LX (nematic, cholesteric, and smectic LX) are contrasted to lyotropic LX in an introductory section. Statistical theories of nematic order, the continuum theory of the nematic state, properties of cholesteric LX, and properties of smectic LX are the main headings. Topics discussed include: electrical and magnetic birefringence, Maier-Saupe theory, deformation modes of thermotropic LX (splay, twist, bend modes), Frank disclinations, electrohydrodynamic (EHD) instabilities, fast turnoff EHD mode, chevron patterns of oscillating domains, backflow effects, light scattering, thermomechanical coupling, Freedericksz effect, memory effect, and transitions between LX states.
- Publication:
-
Reports on Progress in Physics
- Pub Date:
- July 1976
- DOI:
- 10.1088/0034-4885/39/7/001
- Bibcode:
- 1976RPPh...39..613C
- Keywords:
-
- Cholesterol;
- Crystal Structure;
- Dynamic Characteristics;
- Isotropic Media;
- Liquid Crystals;
- Statistical Analysis;
- Bibliographies;
- Continuum Flow;
- Crystal Optics;
- Display Devices;
- Dynamic Stability;
- Electrohydrodynamics;
- Flow Characteristics;
- Light Scattering;
- Mechanical Properties;
- Melting;
- Phase Transformations;
- Thermodynamic Coupling;
- Solid-State Physics