ABSTRACT
The width Δθ of angular intensity distribution I(θ) around the equatorial arcs of an X-ray diffraction pattern obtained from a monodomain liquid crystalline sample is shown to be linearly related to the orientational order parameter (S). The calculation is based upon a simple formula for I(θ) derived on the basis of assumed Maier-Saupe (MS) type molecular distribution function. This offers an easy way to obtain S from measured Δθ.