Unusual temperature dependence of smectic layer structure associated with the nematic–smectic C phase transition in a hockey-stick-shaped four-ring compound

Abstract

In a newly designed four-ring asymmetrical bent-core compound, we observed smectic-C-type diffuse layer reflection over the entire nematic temperature range. At the nematic–smectic C phase transition, a sharp layer reflection emerges in addition to the diffuse reflection with different layer tilt angles.