Hierarchy of Periodic patterns in the twist-bend nematic phase of mesogenic dimers

TL;DR

This paper investigates the hierarchical structure of periodic patterns in the twist-bend nematic phase of mesogenic dimers, revealing multi-scale stripe-like patterns and their formation under different conditions.

Contribution

It reports the discovery of layered sub-micrometre patterns in the Ntb phase using advanced microscopy techniques, advancing understanding of pattern formation in these materials.

Findings

Micrometre-scale patterns at the N-Ntb phase transition interface.

Sub-micrometre scale patterns within the Ntb phase.

Layer-like patterns observed with three-photon excitation fluorescence microscopy.

Abstract

Several attractive properties of hydrocarbon-linked mesogenic dimers have been discovered, a major feature of these has been the ability of dimers under confinement to form periodic patterns. At least six different types of stripe-like periodic patterns can be observed in these materials under various experimental conditions. Our most recent finding is the discovery of micrometre-scale periodic patterns at the N-Ntb phase transition interface, and sub-micrometre scale patterns in the Ntb phase. Layer-like sub-micrometre patterns were observed using three-photon excitation fluorescence polarizing microscopy, and these are being reported here.