9700680 Fung This project involves the further development and implementation of new nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques and their application to the study of liquid crystals of current interest, viz., ferroelectric and antoferroelectric systems. The NMR data will be combined with Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) results to be generated through a collaboration with colleagues at the University of Colorado. This comprehensive approach will be used to advance a theoretical modeling approach that will contribute to the understanding of molecular conformations and interactions on the phase behavior of liquid crystals, and perhaps to the formulation of new low-viscosity nematic mixtures. %%% The synthesis and properties of new liquid crystal systems are playing an increasingly important role in advancing a number of applications areas that include new materials for infrared and microwave liquid crystal modulators, and fast-switching liquid crystal displays. Furthermore, since the phase behavior of liquid crystal mixtures formulated to optimize certain materials properties is often complicated and unpredictable, the focus of these studies should advance significantly the use of these systems for industrial uses. ***
