Advanced Materials · 1999 · 919 citations · 0 references
Natural SciencesChemistryPhysicsCondensed Matter PhysicsCrystal StructureSolid State PhysicsCrystal ChemistryCrystalline MaterialsDielectricsElectro-optic EffectsLiquid CrystalsOptical Properties Of SolidsCrystal OpticsLiquid Crystal Dielectric PropertiesLiquid Crystal Electro-optic EffectLiquid Crystal TexturesLiquid CrystallizationSmectic Liquid CrystalsSmectic PhasesX-ray Diffraction Analysis
Banana-shaped compounds form several new smectogenic phases specific to this class. Several two-dimensional phases have been observed, and these can exhibit very complex and beautiful optical textures (see Figure). These phases are reviewed and their structures investigated by not only X-ray diffraction and nuclear magnetic resonance measurements, but also dielectric and electrooptical experiments.