MOLECULAR THEORY OF SMECTIC-C LIQUID-CRYSTALS

We generalize an earlier density functional theory of liquid crystals by Mederos and Sullivan. The original theory took account of anisotrop ic hard core interactions, and for suitable intermolecular interaction s predicted nematic and smectic A phases as well as isotropic liquid a nd vapour phases. In this generalization we also take into account qua drupolar or dipole-induced dipole interactions. The modified theory no w also predicts the existence of a smectic C phase.