Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 13, 2026

Measuring Magnetically-Tuned Ferroelectric Polarization in Liquid Crystals
Published on: August 15, 2018
Disordering to order: de Vries behavior from a Landau theory for smectic phases
Karl Saunders1, Daniel Hernandez, Staci Pearson
1Department of Physics, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA 93407, USA. ksaunders@calpoly.edu
Abstract:
We show that Landau theory for the isotropic (I), nematic (N), smectic-A, and smectic-C phases generically, but not ubiquitously, implies "de Vries" behavior: i.e., a continuous A-C transition can occur with little layer contraction while the birefringence increases significantly once the system moves into the C phase. Our theory shows that 1st order A-C transitions are also possible. These transitions can be de Vries-like, but in general need not be. Generally, de Vries behavior occurs in models with unusually small orientational order and is preceded by a first order I-A transition. These results correspond well with experimental work to date.
Related Concept Videos
Theories of Dissolution: The Danckwerts' Model and Interfacial Barrier Model
Phase Transitions: Sublimation and Deposition
Phase Transitions: Vaporization and Condensation
Phase Transitions: Melting and Freezing
Woodward–Hoffmann Selection Rules and Microscopic Reversibility
Phase Transitions

