Studies on Temperature Dependent Birefringence and Molecular Orientations of Smectic-A and Smectic-C Phases

J. Mahadeva, T. N. Govindaiah

Abstract: Two or more multi-component system of N-Cetyl-N, N, N, trimethly ammonium bromide (CTAB), Cetyl alcohol + Orthophosphoric acid (CA+H3PO4) exhibits an induced smectic phases, such as smectic-A, smectic-C and smectic-E phases sequentially when the specimen is cooled from its isotropic melt. These phases have been characterized by using DSC, Optical microscopic techniques and X-ray studies. The molecular tilt and birefringence have been discussed in the region of smetic-A and smectic-C phases respectively at different temperature.

Keywords: Birefringence, layer spacing, Molecular orientation x-ray studies, Optical studies Smectic Phases