Dynamics of free-standing smectic-A films

The eigenvibrations and time-dependent layer displacement-layer displacement correlation functions are analyzed in a free-standing thin smectic-A films with the help of a discrete layer model. The film motions are described using the Chebyshev polynomials of second kind, U(n)(x). The eigenfrequencies problem is essentially simplified within the framework of this approach since the numerical solution of the high degree algebraic characteristic equation is replaced by the analytical solution of a rather simple trigonometrical equation. The dependences of eigenmodes on wave number q(perpendicular) were analyzed. For small q(perpendicular) one mode is a low frequency acoustic wave and other modes are high frequency optical oscillations. As the wave number q(perpendicular) increases all modes successively turn into relaxation when starting with the acoustic mode. The rather simple expression for susceptibility matrix and for spectral densities of layer displacement correlation functions were obtained using the Chebyshev polynomials. It was shown that the frequency dependences of spectral densities are sensitive to wave number q(perpendicular). For small q(perpendicular) the spectral densities of displacement-displacement correlation functions have a sharp peak and for large q(perpendicular) they turn into a contours of Lorentzian type.