Abstract

We present a simplified polymer model for twist-boundary phases in liquid crystals. The thermodynamic phases of this model are characterized by an angle 2\ensuremath{\pi}\ensuremath{\alpha}\ifmmode \tilde{}\else \~{}\fi{}. There are incommensurate phases with \ensuremath{\alpha}\ifmmode \tilde{}\else \~{}\fi{} an irrational number and commensurate phases with \ensuremath{\alpha}\ifmmode \tilde{}\else \~{}\fi{}=P/Q, with P and Q relatively prime integers. The latter have quasicrystalline symmetry for Q=5 or Q>6. Equilibrium phases with all values of \ensuremath{\alpha}\ifmmode \tilde{}\else \~{}\fi{} can be produced by varying a control parameter \ensuremath{\alpha}. The curve \ensuremath{\alpha}\ifmmode \tilde{}\else \~{}\fi{}(\ensuremath{\alpha}) is an incomplete devil's staircase with finite locking intervals about every rational \ensuremath{\alpha}\ifmmode \tilde{}\else \~{}\fi{}.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.