Two‐dimensional systems

MAY 01, 1982

Using free‐standing films of liquid crystals only a few molecules thick, we can examine the behavior of mateials in fewer than three dimensions.

DOI: 10.1063/1.2915095

Ronald Pindak

David Moncton

Nearly all the microscopically small devices that are contributing to the “microtechnological” revolution are composed of thin layers of materials. Such devices are nearly two‐dimensional, and many of the questions concerning the ultimate possibilities and limitations of the technology will require investigation of the physical processes in two dimensions. Similarly, questions that arise in such diverse fields as surface physics, membrane biology and catalytic chemistry involve two‐dimensional phenomena. At least as important as these practical questions is simple intellectural curiously: How does Nature behave in a world of limited dimensionality?

References

1. For a detailed review of the theory of defect‐mediated phase transitions see D. R. Nelson Fundamental Problems in Statistical Mechanics V, E. G. D. Cohen ed., North‐Holland, New York (1980). This review also contains references on two‐dimensional systems under study.
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A similar technique was developed by J. C. Tarczon, K. Miyano, Phys. Rev. Lett. 46, 119 (1981).https://doi.org/PRLTAO
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12. D. E. Moncton, R. Pindak, S. C. Davey, G. S. Brown, M. E. Neubert, Bell Labs preprint.
13. R. Pindak, D. E. Moncton, S. C. Davey, J. W. Goodby, Phys. Rev. Lett. 46, 1135 (1981).https://doi.org/PRLTAO
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16. C. C. Huang, J. M. Viner, R. Pindak, J. W. Goodby 46, 1289 (1981).

More about the Authors

Ronald Pindak. Bell Laboratories, Murray Hill.

David Moncton. Bell Laboratories, Murray Hill.