Cholesteric, nematic, and smectic are the most common phases of these mesophase compounds, which can be thermotropic or lyotropic and were discovered when two distinct melting points were observed.
Applying a strong enough magnetic field to these substances can deform them through the Freedericksz transition. Linking units with triple bonds are often chosen for synthesizing a "low molar mass" variety of these substances, which must necessarily be rigid. A commonly studied one, 8CB, has four distinct regions set apart by three lines in a temperature versus pressure plot. They require a director to (*) orient themselves and are subdivided into calamitic and discotic, or thin-shaped and disc-shaped, species. Cholesteric, nematic, and smectic are the most common phases of these mesophase compounds, which can be thermotropic or lyotropic and were discovered when two distinct melting points were observed. For 10 points, name these substances in a state of matter between solid and liquid, which are polarized to form displays in flatscreen TVs.
Applying a strong enough magnetic field to these substances can deform them through the Freedericksz transition.
liquid crystals