Comparison of experimental order parameters of nematogens with Faber's theory

Abstract

Orientational order parameters ⟨P₄ ⟩, ⟨P₆ ⟩ and ⟨P₈ ⟩, as calculated from our X-ray diffraction studies with aligned nematic samples, have been compared with the predictions of Faber's continuum and Maier-Saupe mean-field theories. In contradiction to our previous finding regarding ⟨P₂ ⟩ and ⟨P₄ ⟩, the agreement with Faber's theory is not good. However, experimental inaccuracies and truncation errors during calculations preclude any definite conclusion on this matter.