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Ultrasonic study of a smectic-B liquid crystal

Journal Article · · Phys. Rev., A; (United States)

Anisotropy in the velocity and attenuation of longitudinal ultrasound was studied for the first time in a stable smectic-B liquid crystal (..beta..-methyl-butyl-methoxybenzylidene amino cinnamate). Anisotropy in the velocity was found to be consistent with the predictions of the Martin-Parodi-Pershan hydrodynamic theory in both smectic-A and -B phases, but was significantly smaller than when measured in the same material by Brillouin scattering. Furthermore, strong dispersion was observed near the smectic-A--smectic-B phase transition for sound propagating perpendicular to the symmetry direction.

Research Organization:
Department of Physics and Astronomy and Materials Research Center, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60201
OSTI ID:
6401629
Journal Information:
Phys. Rev., A; (United States), Journal Name: Phys. Rev., A; (United States) Vol. 19:3; ISSN PLRAA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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