Formation of string defects at thinning transitions in smectic-C* free-standing films

Authors
Cluzeau, P Joly, G Nguyen, HT Gors, C Dolganov, VK
Citation
P. Cluzeau et al., Formation of string defects at thinning transitions in smectic-C* free-standing films, PHYS REV E, 62(5), 2000, pp. R5899-R5902
Citations number
28
Categorie Soggetti
Physics
Journal title
PHYSICAL REVIEW E
ISSN journal
1063651X → ACNP
Volume
62
Issue
5
Year of publication
2000
Part
A
Pages
R5899 - R5902
Database
ISI
SICI code
1063-651X(200011)62:5<R5899:FOSDAT>2.0.ZU;2-T
Abstract
The layer thinning transitions in freely suspended smectic-C* films have be en investigated. The defect structure formed by stringlike lines was observ ed just before the thinning transitions. The string defects disappear after the thinning transition and appear again near the temperature of the next thinning transition. These results clearly indicate that thin free-standing films at the thinning transitions are slightly below the melting temperatu re of the interior layers.