Transient structures in the twist Fréedericksz transition of low-molecular-weight nematic liquid crystals

Abstract

We have investigated the evolution of transient structures in the twist Fr\'eedericksz transition of low-molecular-weight nematic liquid crystals. Planarly aligned cells have been exposed to an in-plane external magnetic field perpendicular to the initial director orientation. The formation of periodic structures was studied by conventional microscopy. We observed a complex director deformation showing an induced out-of-plane tilt. We describe the formation of periodic long-term stable twist-bend inversion walls which can be observed up to several hours after their appearance. The wavelengths of the structures determined experimentally are discussed and compared to theoretical predictions.