| Numéro |
J. Phys. II France
Volume 4, Numéro 10, October 1994
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Page(s) | 1865 - 1874 | |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1051/jp2:1994237 | |
DOI: 10.1051/jp2:1994237
J. Phys. II France 4 (1994) 1865-1874
University of Paderborn, Institute of Physical Chemistry, 33095 Paderborn, Germany
© Les Editions de Physique 1994
J. Phys. II France 4 (1994) 1865-1874
Surface ordering and destruction of the first order phase transition smectic A-smectic C * in free standing smectic films
E. Demikhov, U. Hoffmann and H. StegemeyerUniversity of Paderborn, Institute of Physical Chemistry, 33095 Paderborn, Germany
(Received 11 March 1994, revised in final form 16 June 1994)
Abstract
The thermodynamic behaviour of the first order phase transition smectic A-smectic C
* in free standing films is studied numerically. Profiles of the tilt angle across the film, the free energy and average structural
parameters
and
are calculated. By diminishing the number of smectic layers the phase transition disappears at a critical film thickness
, which is approximately one order of magnitude larger than the penetration length of the surface induced order. Computer
simulation results describe well recent experimental data.
© Les Editions de Physique 1994