Molecular theory of smectic C liquid crystals

Abstract
We generalize an earlier density functional theory of liquid crystals by Mederos and Sullivan. The original theory took account of anisotropic hard core interactions, and for suitable intermolecular interactions predicted nematic and smectic A phases as well as isotropic liquid and vapour phases. In this generalization we also take into account quadrupolar or dipole induced dipole interactions. The modified theory now also predicts the existence of a smectic C phase.