Theory of smectic wetting and layering

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Abstract
A lattice model is used to investigate the surface behavior of smectic fluids close to the onset of smectic ordering. Enhanced surface nematic order favors smectic wetting of a liquid-vapor interface, but decreased density at the interface favors isotropic wetting. The competition is resolved by quasiwetting: finite smectic layer growth with identifiable smectic-wall and isotropic-smectic components. Finite-ranged interactions lead in addition to smectic layering transitions, in line with recent experimental observations.