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Nematic-Nematic Transition Without Negative Elastic Constant

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Abstract

A new explanation for the spontaneous distortion of the liquid-crystal director n inside the nematic phase (\(N_x\)-N transition) is proposed. It is based on the well-tested theory which includes an energetic coupling between n and mass density gradients in the Oseen-Frank elastic energy. Several consequences of this new approach are worked out, and it is found that they explain important effects experimentally observed. In particular, we explain why this phase transition is of first order in nature. Our findings suggest that there is no need for invoking negative Frank elastic constants.

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Acknowledgements

We thank the support of CAPES (Brazilian Agency).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Unidade Acadêmica do Cabo de Santo Agostinho, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Rua Cento e Sessenta e Três, 300, 54518-430, Garapu, Cabo de Santo Agostinho, Pernambuco, Brazil

    Carlindo Vitoriano

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  1. Carlindo Vitoriano
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C. V. wrote the manuscript text and prepared Figs. 1 and 2.

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Correspondence to Carlindo Vitoriano.

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Vitoriano, C. Nematic-Nematic Transition Without Negative Elastic Constant. Braz J Phys 54, 73 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13538-024-01451-9

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