Dielectric, optical and thermodynamical properties of liquid crystal sample exhibiting SmA phase

The dielectric constant and dielectric loss with dielectric anisotropy have been measured as a function of temperature in the frequency range of 1 kHz to 10 MHz for a newly synthesized liquid crystal sample-exhibiting SmA phase. The measurement in SmA phase indicates dielectric relaxation at frequency 4.778 kHz for 80 degrees C. The Enthalpy of activation was found to be 14.57 Kcal/mole. The results have been explained on the basis of Maier and Meier theory. The optical anisotropy study, white light transmittance study has also been carried out on the sample. Phase transition temperature matches very well as obtained from all the above mentioned measurement techniques. Optical anisotropy data has been used to determine order parameter by Vuks approach and its variation with temperature has been discussed.