Molecular Crystals and Liquid Crystals, Vol.413, 2281-2286, 2004
Surface-induced phases in smectogenic compounds
By using a Landow-de Gennes mean-field phenomenological model, we discuss the possibility of inducing parasmectic and surface smectic phases in a smectogenic compound in contact with a rough substrate enhancing the nematic order. A rich variety of behaviors is obtained, depending in particular on the bulk coupling between the nematic and the smectic order. Such transitions are reminiscent of the bulk transitions that can be induced by the application of an external electric or magnetic field.