Raman scattering from freely suspended liquid crystal films

摘要

Using Raman scattering we have studied the molecular vibrations in freely suspended liquid crystal films as thin as two molecular layers. The effect of the free surfaces on several aspects of molecular order were examined by comparing the Raman spectra obtained on both thin and thick films. The liquid crystal materials 8CB, 8SI, and 65OBC were studied in the crystal, hexatic, and fluid smectic phases. Changes were observed in both intramolecular and intermolecular vibrations as a function of thickness.