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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Geometry of the Cholesteric Phase

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Author(s):
Beller, Daniel A. [1, 2] ; Machon, Thomas [3, 4] ; Copar, Simon [2, 5, 6] ; Sussman, Daniel M. [2] ; Alexander, Gareth P. [3, 4] ; Kamien, Randall D. [2] ; Mosna, Ricardo A. [2, 7]
Total Authors: 7
Affiliation:
[1] Harvard Univ, Sch Engn & Appl Sci, Cambridge, MA 02138 - USA
[2] Univ Penn, Dept Phys & Astron, Philadelphia, PA 19104 - USA
[3] Univ Warwick, Dept Phys, Coventry CV4 7AL, W Midlands - England
[4] Univ Warwick, Ctr Complex Sci, Coventry CV4 7AL, W Midlands - England
[5] Univ Ljubljana, Fac Math & Phys, Ljubljana 1000 - Slovenia
[6] Jozef Stefan Inst, Ljubljana 1000 - Slovenia
[7] Univ Estadual Campinas, Dept Matemat Aplicada, BR-13083859 Sao Paulo - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 7
Document type: Journal article
Source: PHYSICAL REVIEW X; v. 4, n. 3 SEP 17 2014.
Web of Science Citations: 13
Abstract

We propose a construction of a cholesteric pitch axis for an arbitrary nematic director field as an eigenvalue problem. Our definition leads to a Frenet-Serret description of an orthonormal triad determined by this axis, the director, and the mutually perpendicular direction. With this tool, we are able to compare defect structures in cholesterics, biaxial nematics, and smectics. Though they all have similar ground state manifolds, the defect structures are different and cannot, in general, be translated from one phase to the other. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 13/09357-9 - Physics and geometry of spacetime
Grantee:Alberto Vazquez Saa
Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants