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arXiv · cond-mat/9903290

Two new topologically ordered glass phases of smectics confined in anisotropic random media

Brad Jacobsen·Karl Saunders·Leo Radzihovsky·John Toner
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Abstract

We show that smectic liquid crystals confined in_anisotropic_ porous structures such as e.g.,_strained_ aerogel or aerosil exhibit two new glassy phases. The strain both ensures the stability of these phases and determines their nature. One type of strain induces an ``XY Bragg glass'', while the other creates a novel, triaxially anisotropic ``m=1 Bragg glass''. The latter exhibits anomalous elasticity, characterized by exponents that we calculate to high precision. We predict the phase diagram for the system, and numerous other experimental observables.

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Brad Jacobsen, Karl Saunders, Leo Radzihovsky, John Toner. 1999-03-18. Two new topologically ordered glass phases of smectics confined in anisotropic random media. https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevlett.83.1363

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