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\centerline{\large \bf A Study of Transitions in the}
\centerline{\large \bf Smectic~C* Phase of Chiral Compounds}

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\centerline{M.~Carme Calderer}
\centerline{\it University of Minnesota, USA}
\centerline{e-mail {\tt mcc@math.umn.edu}}

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Upon lowering the temperature, the chiral Smectic A* phase of certain
liquid crystal compounds experiences subsequent transitions to the
Smectic C*, and to the ferroelectric variants of the C*-phase. Static
modeling of such phases will be addressed within the framework of a
mean-field theory.

Special emphasis will be devoted to the study of free-standing
films. Due to their optimal layer ordering for a wide range of
thickness, free-standing liquid crystal films provide a unique system
to study bulk structures as well as surface effects.  The presentation
will also address examples of anchoring transitions for such films.
Finally, a dynamical model will be employed to estimate switching
times between Smectic~C* phases when external electric fields are
applied.

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