EQUILIBRIUM SHAPES OF A NEMATIC - SMECTIC-B LIQUID-CRYSTAL INTERFACE

Equilibrium shapes of the nematic-smectic-B liquid-crystal interface h ave been investigated. Three types of smectic-B germs with different o rientation in a quasi-two-dimensional geometry have been found at smal l undercooling. Two of these have a similar, rectanglelike shape with two long faceted sides; the third is circular with a small hexagonal m odulation. By heating the rapidly grown smectic phase the nematic phas e is nucleated below the phase transition. Nematic monodomains were de tected for different alignments having a nonfaceted, oval form. From t he shape of the germs the angle dependence of the surface tension was determined.