The synthesis of a wide variety of liquid crystalline materials needed to test theoretical concepts, study physical properties, and for use in liquid crystal displays is proposed. New ideas have been generated by results from the current NSF grant, and in some areas additional work is needed to complete research in progress. Thus, investigation of the following specific problems is proposed: The design of new chiral materials for displays (stable cholesteric, ferroelectric, and chiral polymers) and to test theoretical concepts, continued molecular modifications to search for additional materials showing hexatic phases of smectics B, F, and I and their chiral counterparts; synthesis of materials with wide range nematic phases above a smectic A phase for phase transition studies; preparation of deuterated materials to study phase separation in nematic phases by DMR; continued synthesis of new polymeric materials for phase transition studies and for use in polymer dispersed droplets and preparation of new materials having lyotropic and thermotropic nematic phases which are of both theoretical and practical interest. This effort will provide both known and new liquid crystalline materials for physical studies by not only researchers at the Liquid Crystal Institute but throughout the world. It requires extensive cooperation between both chemists and physicists and will thus encourage the exchange of ideas and modifications in research goals as new information is produced.
