Smectic-C* alpha-smectic-C* Phase Transition and Critical Point in Binary Mixtures

Journal Article · Sat Dec 31 23:00:00 EST 2005 · Physical Review E: Stat. Phys., Plasmas, Fluids

OSTI ID:930565

Liu, Z; Wang, S; McCoy, B; Cady, A; Pindak, R; Caliebe, W; Takekoshi, K; Ema, K; Nguyen, H; Huang, C

We have investigated the smectic-C*{sub {alpha}}-smectic-C* (SmC*{sub {alpha}}-SmC*) transition in a series of binary mixtures with resonant x-ray diffraction, differential optical reflectivity, and heat capacity measurements. Results show that the phases are separated by a first-order transition that ends at a critical point. We report the observation of such a critical point. We have proposed the appropriate order parameter and obtained values of two critical exponents associated with this transition. The values of the critical exponents suggest that long-range intersections are present in the SmC*{sub {alpha}}-SmC* critical regions.

• Research Organization: Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) National Synchrotron Light Source
• Sponsoring Organization: Doe - Office Of Science
• DOE Contract Number: AC02-98CH10886
• OSTI ID: 930565
• Report Number(s): BNL--80729-2008-JA
• Journal Information: Physical Review E: Stat. Phys., Plasmas, Fluids, Journal Name: Physical Review E: Stat. Phys., Plasmas, Fluids Vol. 74; ISSN PLEEE8; ISSN 1063-651X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
BINARY MIXTURES
ORDER PARAMETERS
PHASE STUDIES
PHASE TRANSFORMATIONS
REFLECTIVITY
SPECIFIC HEAT
X-RAY DIFFRACTION
national synchrotron light source