Characterization of nematic lyomesophases by X-ray diffraction

Procedures for an independent characterization of lyotropic nematics by X-ray diffraction (XD) are presented. N_c (cylindrical micelles) and N_d (discotic micelles) can be distinguished on the basis of surface orientation alone by a method of sample scanning through the X-ray beam. The sign of the diamagnetic anisotropy susceptibility can also be independently obtained. The differences between optical and XD information for such a characterization are discussed.