Spreading of smectic-Adroplets: Structure and dynamics of terraces
- 1 November 1992
- journal article
- research article
- Published by American Physical Society (APS) in Physical Review A
- Vol. 46 (10) , R6158-R6161
- https://doi.org/10.1103/physreva.46.r6158
Abstract
The spreading of smectic-A droplets on a smooth, high-energy surface has been studied using x-ray reflectivity, ellipsometry, and video imaging at the Brewster angle. These droplets have a layered structure and terraces are evidenced. The dynamics of expansion or retraction of these terraces are investigated and compared with recent theoretical predictions. In a last stage, holes open in the single remaining terrace and their growth ultimately leads to a complete breaking up of the terrace. The nematic and isotropic phases dewet the first terrace, and holes also appear in the layer by raising the temperature above the smectic domain.Keywords
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