Abstract
In this article, we theoretically and numerically study the chirality and saddle-splay elastic constant ( K 24 ) -enabled stability of multiple twist-like nematic liquid crystal (LC) structures in cylindrical confinement. We focus on the so-called radially z-twisted (RZT) and radially twisted (RT) configurations, which simultaneously exhibit twists in different spatial directions. We express the free energies of the structures in terms of dimensionless wave vectors, which characterise the structures and play the roles of order parameters. The impact of different confinement anchoring conditions is explored. A simple Landau-type analysis provides an insight into how different model parameters influence the stability of structures. We determine conditions for which the structures are stable in chiral and also nonchiral LCs. In particular, we find that the RZT structure could exhibit macroscopic chirality inversion upon varying the relevant parameters. This phenomenon could be exploited for the measurement of K 24 .
Highlights
Chirality is pervasive in nature and refers to cases where an object and its mirror image are different [1,2,3]
We focus on the so-called radially z-twisted (RZT) and radially twisted (RT) configurations, which simultaneously exhibit twists in different spatial directions
We explore the stability of double-twist structures in chiral liquid crystal (LC)
Summary
Chirality is pervasive in nature and refers to cases where an object and its mirror image are different [1,2,3]. It signals the absence of inversion symmetry, giving rise to a right-handed and left-handed appearance and behaviour. The functionalities of several essential components of biological cells rely heavily on chirality [3]. It could be exploited in various technological and medical applications [5,6,7]. A deep understanding of chirality and its related emergent behaviours is of interest throughout the physical and biological sciences
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