Abstract
Utilizing our high-resolution ac calorimeter, optical reflectivity, and electron diffraction, we have found a few very interesting phenomena associated with the free-standing films of the N-(4-n-butyloxybenzylidene)-4-n-octylaniline (4O.8) compound. Upon cooling from the smectic-A phase, the outer surface layers display a distinct hexatic-B order and subsequently transforms into crystal-B phase through a two-stage transformation. Each stage is found to be first order. The film exhibits a layer-by-layer ordering transitions developed from the film/vapor interface inwardly.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 765-770 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Modern Physics Letters B |
Volume | 10 |
Issue number | 16 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jul 10 1996 |