We report on variable-angle deuterium NMR measurements of nematic liquid-crystalline side-chain polymers, where we have found proof of the existence of a biaxial nematic phase in a system with a side-on attachment of the mesogenic group to the polymer backbone. This provides efficient coupling to the polymer backbone and thus stabilizes the as yet elusive biaxial phase. The experimental approach is validated on a uniaxial end-on nematic polymer, and the reliability of the results is investigated in detail using two-dimensional correlation spectra, providing information on director distribution effects.

• Received 27 November 2003

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.92.125501