Abstract
We have used light scattering to study nematic elastic constantsK 2 andK 3 in the alkyl-cyanobiphenyl (n CB) system. As the average alkyl chain lengthn increases, the temperature range of the nematic phase decreases and the system approaches a tricritical point. Our data are analyzed to determine the parallel and perpendicular correlation lengths and critical exponents for smectic short-range order. We find a continuous decrease in the critical exponentsv ∥ andv ⊥ as the tricritical point, which occurs at ≃9.1 CB, is approached. There is also a significant decrease in the magnitude of the parallel correlation length at a fixed reduced temperature.
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Solomon, L., Litster, J.D. Light scattering studies of crossover to a liquid crystal tricritical point. Z. Physik B - Condensed Matter 69, 535–539 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01312516
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01312516