SURFACE-DIFFUSION OF MATTER IN DISCOTIC LIQUID-CRYSTAL THREADS

The first measurements of the surface diffusion coefficients in column ar discotic liquid crystal thread and him by an optical absorption tec hnique are presented. A comparison of the results with the diffusion i n the bulk specimen helps to introduce the number of diffusion sites i n the surface and in the bulk. We propose then a structure of point de fects in the mesophase. An estimation of jump frequency is deduced. Th e dependence of the surface diffusion versus the temperature seems in agreement with the Arrhenius law.