Jumping between liquid states
Article Abstract:
It has been possible to use synchrotron X-ray diffraction to make a direct structural study of liquid phosphorus under high pressure. When the pressure is increased, the structure of liquid phosphorus shifts suddenly from a quite open molecular structure to a new polymeric form with higher density. The two forms coexist within a narrow pressure range, and the transition can be reversed by lowering the pressure. This supplies direct evidence for a pressure-driven structural transition in the liquid above the melting point. It seems that first-order phase transitions do take place in the liquid state.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 2000
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A first-order liquid-liquid phase transition in phosphorus
Article Abstract:
New research supports the view that the best candidates to show a liquid-liquid transition are liquids with open molecular coordination environments, particularly those with a locally tetrahedral molecular structure. This research involved an in situ X-ray diffraction observation of a liquid-liquid transition in phosphorous, with a sudden, pressure-induced structural change between two distinct liquid forms. The features of the transformation strongly support the idea that it is a first-order liquid-liquid phase transition.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 2000
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Continuous anchoring transition in liquid crystals
Article Abstract:
The observatin of a continuous anchoring transition in liquid crystals in which the liquid-crystal orientation can be changed continuously as a funtion of temperature is reported. The technique involves the use of liquid crystals in contact with fluoropolymers as aligning agents, allowing precise control of the angle of liquid-crystal alignment and producing weak anchoring. The study is important because of the potential of liquid-crystals for optical and photoelectronic device applications.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1993
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