The Dynamics of Chiral 5*CB Molecules Confined in a Porous Matrix

Abstract

The dielectric permittivity of chiral isopentyl-cyanobiphenyl 5*CB confined to an Anopore membrane with a diameter of 100 nm for the two orientations of molecules, radial, and axial with respect to the pore axis, was studied. We report the different polymorphism of the 5*CB from that of the bulk material. The phases sequence depends on the forced orientation of molecules. The cholesteric phase does not appear during cooling of the axially oriented sample. Moreover, we observe tumbling of the molecules in metastable solid phase.