Local chiral inversion of chiral nematic liquid crystals in cylinders

Shuting Li, Xuan Zhou, Jiliang Zhu, Kaiyang Du, Yike Du, and Han Gao
Phys. Rev. E 107, 034705 – Published 27 March 2023

Abstract

On the basis of Landau–de Gennes theory and the finite-difference iterative method, the autonomic modulation of chiral inversion in a cylindrical cavity with degenerate planar anchoring is investigated. Under the applied helical twisting power (inversely related to the pitch P), a chiral inversion can be achieved due to the nonplanar geometry effect, and the inversion capacity rises with the increase of the helical twisting power. The combined effect of the saddle-splay K24 contribution (corresponding to the L24 term in Landau–de Gennes theory) and the helical twisting power are analyzed. It is found that the chiral inversion is more strongly modulated on the condition that the chirality of spontaneous twist is opposite to that of applied helical twisting power. Further, larger values of K24 will induce larger modulation of the twist degree and smaller modulation of the inverted region. The autonomic modulation of chiral inversion shows great potential for chiral nematic liquid crystal materials to be used in smart devices, such as light-controlled switches and nanoparticle transporters.

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  • Received 16 January 2023
  • Accepted 3 March 2023

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.107.034705

©2023 American Physical Society

Physics Subject Headings (PhySH)

Condensed Matter, Materials & Applied Physics

Authors & Affiliations

Shuting Li, Xuan Zhou*, Jiliang Zhu, Kaiyang Du, Yike Du, and Han Gao

  • School of Science, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300401, People Republic of China

  • *Corresponding author: zhouxuan198536@163.com

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Issue

Vol. 107, Iss. 3 — March 2023

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