Nematic twist-bend phase with nanoscale modulation of molecular orientation

V. Borshch, Y.-K. Kim, J. Xiang, M Gao, A Jákli, V. P. Panov, J. K. Vij, C. T. Imrie, M. G. Tamba, G. H. Mehl and O. D. Lavrentovich ()
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V. Borshch: Liquid Crystal Institute and Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program, Kent State University
Y.-K. Kim: Liquid Crystal Institute and Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program, Kent State University
J. Xiang: Liquid Crystal Institute and Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program, Kent State University
M Gao: Liquid Crystal Institute and Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program, Kent State University
A Jákli: Liquid Crystal Institute and Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program, Kent State University
V. P. Panov: Trinity College, University of Dublin
J. K. Vij: Trinity College, University of Dublin
C. T. Imrie: School of Natural and Computing Sciences, University of Aberdeen
M. G. Tamba: University of Hull
G. H. Mehl: University of Hull
O. D. Lavrentovich: Liquid Crystal Institute and Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program, Kent State University

Nature Communications, 2013, vol. 4, issue 1, 1-8

Abstract: Abstract A state of matter in which molecules show a long-range orientational order and no positional order is called a nematic liquid crystal. The best known and most widely used (for example, in modern displays) is the uniaxial nematic, with the rod-like molecules aligned along a single axis, called the director. When the molecules are chiral, the director twists in space, drawing a right-angle helicoid and remaining perpendicular to the helix axis; the structure is called a chiral nematic. Here using transmission electron and optical microscopy, we experimentally demonstrate a new nematic order, formed by achiral molecules, in which the director follows an oblique helicoid, maintaining a constant oblique angle with the helix axis and experiencing twist and bend. The oblique helicoids have a nanoscale pitch. The new twist-bend nematic represents a structural link between the uniaxial nematic (no tilt) and a chiral nematic (helicoids with right-angle tilt).

Date: 2013
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DOI: 10.1038/ncomms3635

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