Short-pitch and long-pitch modes as a key for the understanding of phase sequences and types of ordering in antiferroelectric smectic liquid crystals

摘要

A novel theoretical approach is suggested for the description of phase transitions and structures observed in antiferroelectric smectic liquid crystals. Allowance is made for two possible types of ordering: short-pitch and long-pitch helical modes. The thermodynamic behavior of the material is treated as a result of the competition between these two modes. The formulated theory reproduces the main features of the experimentally observed phase sequences and structures, thus explaining their physical nature. (C) 2000 MAIK "Nauka/Interperiodica". [References: 11]