Mean-field model for antiferroelectric smectic-a liquid crystals

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Abstract

A theoretical description is proposed for recently observed antiferroelectric smectic-A phases. Order parameters are introduced that retain information on the head-tail asymmetry of the constituent molecules and minimum ingredients are given for an averaged model potential. The calculations show that for high orientational order the antiferroelectric smectic-A structure is the best compromise between dipole repulsion and dispersive attraction. The resulting phase diagrams compare favorably with the experimental situation.

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