Characterization of Lyotropic Nematics by Microscopy

Abstract
A simple procedure is described for identification of the structure of the micelles (i.e., disks or cylinders) and the determination of the sign of the diamagnetic anisotropy of amphiphilic nematic mesophases. It is based upon the effects of shear, surface, and magnetic forces on the micrographic textures of thin films observed under the polarizing microscope.
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