X-RAY-SCATTERING FROM POLYMER NEMATIC LIQUID-CRYSTALS

X-ray scattering from main chain polymer nematics is discussed from the point of view of its use in studying the ordering and fluctuations of the polymer chains that make up the nematic phase. An example of data from poly-gamma-benzyl glutamate is given, with a discussion of the important features of the data, in terms of the current understanding of the nature of nematic ordering in main chain polymer systems. This includes analyses of the angular distribution function for the polymer segments, long wavelength fluctuations dictated by elastic phenomena, the effects of finite chain lengths, and effects due to the short range interactions and packing of the chains.