Smectics Image (IMAGE)

Cornell University

Smectics Image

Caption

The key to understanding smectics is the analogy to Einstein's relativity. If we view 'time' as the number of layers crossed (plotted upward) by a pulse of light at the centers of the concentric circles, then equally spaced layers correspond to a constant speed of light - leading to 'light cones' at a constant angle.

Credit

Cornell University, James Sethna Lab

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