Flow properties of the optically isotropic tetrahedratic phase

Abstract:

We discuss the coupling between flow and other hydrodynamic variables that can occur in the optically isotropic tetrahedratic phase (T_d) characterized by a third rank tensor order parameter T_ijk. We point out that an applied electric field or an applied temperature gradient will lead to flow. Reciprocally we predict that, for example, a shear flow applied to a tetrahedratic phase leads to an induced electric field and a temperature gradient. Similarities to recent experimental observations in the vicinity of the isotropic-B7 phase transitions in materials formed by banana-shaped molecules are discussed.