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arXiv · 1003.6001

Continuum theory of tilted chiral smectic phases

Jean-Paul Marcerou
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Abstract

We demonstrate that the sequence of distorted commensurate phases observed in tilted chiral smectics is explained by the gain in electrostatic energy due to the lock-in of the unit cell to a number of layers which is the integer closest to the ratio pitch over thickness of the subjacent Sm-C$^*_\alpha$ phase. We also explain the sign change of the helicity in the middle of the sequence by a balance between two twist sources one intrinsic and another due to the distortion of the Sm-C$^*_\alpha$.

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Jean-Paul Marcerou. 2010-03-31. Continuum theory of tilted chiral smectic phases. https://doi.org/10.1103/physreve.81.061704

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