Zero-field nuclear magnetic resonance of a nematic liquid crystal

The molecular order parameter of CH/sub 2/Cl/sub 2/ in a nematic liquid crystal was measured by using a version of zero-field NMR employing pulsed dc magnetic fields. Spectral frequencies and intensities are shown to reflect the ordering on a molecular and macroscopic scale, respectively. Samples oriented in high magnetic field did not significantly change their state of alignment during the time scale of the field cycle. Zero-field measurements of the order parameter yielded values within experimental error of those measured in high field. A zero-field echo experiment was performed to decrease the effect of residual fields on line width. Dipolar order was created in zero field by using a pulsed dc field analogue of the Jeener-Brokaert experiment. 26 references, 8 figures.