9614061 Clark The structure and dynamical behavior of liquid crystalline (LC) phases will be studied using optical microscopy, light and x- ray scattering, and scanning tunneling microscopy. A principal focus will be on freely suspended liquid crystalline films and liquid crystals in porous media, with an emphasis on investigating dimensionality, fluctuation and interface effects. The fluctuation, field and surface effects when combined with the wide variety of order parameters and symmetries characteristic of liquid crystals will provide a special opportunity for observing neu phenomena. %%% The topics to be explored will have important scientific and technological impact on areas such as liquid crystals for use in flat panel displays, and the likelihood of the discovery of entirely new phenomena will open up avenues of exploration for other scientists working in areas such as condensed matter physics and chemistry. ***