Field-induced periodic chiral pattern in the Nx phase of achiral bimesogens

Abstract

Some hydrocarbon-linked mesogenic dimers are known to exhibit an additional nematic phase (Nx) in the temperature range below the conventional nematic (Nu) phase. One of the features of this phase is the presence of optical response typically found in chiral systems, while the involved molecules are non-chiral. We demonstrate that the two domains of opposite handedness found in planar cells can be controlled/induced by the external electric field and these form periodic striped patterns. The effect of frequency and amplitude of the electric field on the periodicity and formation of the domain pattern is investigated.