Chiral {\pi} Domain Walls Composed of Twin Half-Integer Surface Disclinations in Ferroelectric Nematic Liquid Crystals

TL;DR

This paper uncovers the structure and topological properties of { extpi} domain walls in ferroelectric nematic liquid crystals, revealing twin half-integer surface disclinations that influence polarization switching and domain engineering.

Contribution

It introduces a novel topological model of { extpi} walls composed of twin disclinations, advancing understanding of domain structures in ferroelectric nematic liquids.

Findings

{ extpi} walls consist of twin half-integer surface disclinations.

Polar switching involves a two-step disclination annihilation.

Hierarchical topological structures influence domain behavior.

Abstract

Ferroelectric nematic liquid crystals are polar fluids characterized by microscopic orientational ordering and macroscopic spontaneous polarizations. Within these fluids, walls that separate domains of different polarizations are ubiquitous. We demonstrate that the {\pi} walls in films of polar fluids consist of twin half-integer surface disclinations spaced horizontally, enclosing a subdomain where the polarization exhibits left- or right-handed {\pi} twists across the film. The degenerate geometric configurations of these twin disclinations give rise to kinks and antikinks, effectively partitioning subdomains of opposite chirality like Ising chains. The hierarchical topological structures dictate that field-driven polar switching entails a two-step annihilation process of the disclinations. These findings serve as a cornerstone for comprehending other walls in ferroelectric and ferromagnetic materials, thereby laying the base for domain engineering crucial for advancing their nonlinear and optoelectronic applications.