  Langmuir monolayers are modeled as systems of short chains, which are
confined to a planar surface at one end, but free to move within the plane. The
phase behavior is calculated in a mean field approximation, which combines the
self consistent field method with elements of classical density functional
theory. It is shown that phases with tilt order are unstable in systems of
stiff chains, but can be stabilized by chain conformational entropy in systems
of sufficiently flexible chains. The chain entropy is also responsible for the
appearance of an additional untilted phase, the liquid expanded phase. The
region of stability of the different phases is discussed, and their microscopic
structure is analyzed in some detail.
