Twin-like domains in chiral smectic C liquid crystals

In the chiral smectic C phase of liquid crystals with the phase transition N*-SmC*, texture development depending on the sample thickness is reported. In very thin samples, domains of rectangular-like shape are observed. As two possible tilts of smectic layers are possible for one anchoring directio...

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Published inLiquid crystals Vol. 33; no. 9; pp. 961 - 978
Main Authors Brunet, Monique, Lejček, Lubor, Navailles, Laurence, Keller, Patrick, Nguyen, Tinh Huu, Polossat, Eric, Rouy, Emmanuel
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Taylor & Francis 01.09.2006
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Summary:In the chiral smectic C phase of liquid crystals with the phase transition N*-SmC*, texture development depending on the sample thickness is reported. In very thin samples, domains of rectangular-like shape are observed. As two possible tilts of smectic layers are possible for one anchoring direction, smectic layers inside a domain, called twin-like domains, are tilted with respect to layers in outer regions, similarly to crystalline planes in solid crystalline twins. An elastic model of such a twin domain is proposed and its energy determined. this paper is dedicated to Professor Sven T. Lagerwall on the occasion of his 70th birthday.
ISSN:0267-8292
1366-5855
DOI:10.1080/02678290600816965