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Abstract
A phenomenological model is proposed for the nematic-smectic A–smectic C transition. Two order parameters which are biquadratically coupled are involved. The first one is primary and characterizes the appearance of layers in the smectic phases. The second order parameter is triggered by the first one and can be identified with the tilt angle.
Analytic expressions are obtained for lines and points in the phase diagram. These expressions are used to reconstruct completely the non-equilibrium Landau potential.
