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Layer-thinning transitions in freely suspended smectic-A films

We outline the elements of a mean-field density functional theory of inhomogeneous liquid crystals which is able to account for surface-enhanced smectic ordering (SESO) at a free surface. The theory generates SESO without requiring an external anchoring potential, and depending only on the properties (i.e., strengths and ranges) of the anisotropic intermolecular forces. Application of the theory to explaining recent experimental findings of layer-thinning transitions in freely suspended smectic-A films is briefly summarized.